Real Madrid News
PSG manager hails Carlo Ancelotti as his role model: “He’s able to reverse incredible situations”
Speaking to L’Equipe, Paris Saint-Germain manager Christophe Galtier has claimed that he is an admirer of Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti.
Galtier took over as the manager of PSG this past summer, replacing Mauricio Pochettino. The French tactician has spent his entire career in his homeland, having coached the likes of AS Saint-Etienne, OGC Nice and LOSC Lille, with whom he even won the Ligue 1 title in 2020/21.
Having been handed the reins at Parc des Princes, Galtier has already won the French Super Cup in his short time in charge of the team, while Les Parisiens also sit atop the Ligue 1 standings.
The 56-year-old was talking about his career and football management in general during which he was asked if he had any idol in the game. In response, Galtier named Ancelotti as someone he looks up to, saying:
“I have a lot of admiration for Carlo Ancelotti, he impresses me a lot. I’m very attentive and observant to how Carlo manages his team and how he’s able to reverse incredible situations.”
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid last year for his second stint after having managed the club between 2013 and 2015 when he had quit PSG to join Los Blancos.
Having come back to the Santiago Bernabeu, the Italian tactician masterminded the La Liga and UEFA Champions League title triumphs with Real Madrid, further cementing his status as one of the most successful managers in the game.
Ancelotti has led Real Madrid to a 100% winning start across all competitions in the new season as well, with the Merengues sitting at the top of the La Liga table, while also having won the UEFA Super Cup already.
The cloud of uncertainty over Karim Benzema’s future has served as a major headache for the Real Madrid board, as they kickstart their team planning ahead of the new season.
Recent reports claim the Frenchman is strongly considering a move to Saudi Arabia, after receiving a lucrative €150 million offer from Al Ittihad. He was close to renewing his contract at Santiago Bernabeu not too long ago, but it appears the tables have turned lately.
Nevertheless, Real Madrid are yet to give up on Benzema and still harbour hopes of renewing his contract in the coming weeks, reports Alfredo Matilla.
The Spanish journalist suggests Real Madrid have not closed the file on Benzema. Coach Carlo Ancelotti has recently met the forward to clarify his future and it appears the club are set to do everything they can to keep hold of the player.
Benzema’s departure, after all, could put the club in a major dilemma, where they must either sign a top-class striker or settle for a low-cost alternative for the entirety of next season.
Harry Kane has been earmarked as the ideal replacement for Benzema. But his acquisition could potentially jeopardise Real Madrid’s bid to sign either Erling Haaland or Kylian Mbappe in 2024. The club have also faced difficulties negotiating with Daniel Levy, the Spurs chairman.
As far as the low-cost options are concerned, Real Madrid are interested in Roberto Firmino, who will become a free agent in the summer.
However, the Brazilian international is not the most productive striker around and his struggles in front of goal could put more pressure on players like Vinicius Junior next season.
Real Madrid, therefore, will hope to keep hold of Benzema’s services for another year. Unfortunately, though, the player has given a cold response so far and left training early, without speaking too much.
So it will be interesting to see whether or not the veteran striker opts to remain at Bernabeu for another year.
