Real Madrid News
Real Madrid managerial target in awe of Ancelotti: “He is the master of all coaches”
Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso, who happens to be one of the candidates Real Madrid are looking at to replace Carlo Ancelotti, has said that the Italian manager is the master of all coaches, adding that in terms of player management, he is the best.
Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid currently happens to be one of the hottest topics in the Spanish capital. The 64-year-old master tactician has a contract that runs out at the end of the ongoing season and there has been no major development in that regard.
Meanwhile, Alonso, who happens to be the top candidate to replace Ancelotti, was recently asked about his views on the Italian tactician, to which he said:
“Carlo Ancelotti is the master of all coaches. In terms of player management, he is a master, and when you talk about the way he wants to persuade the players or how to make the players have a good relationship with you, Ancelotti is the best coach at that,” he was quoted by AS.
Real Madrid have offered Ancelotti an extension
A few days back, we reported that Real Madrid approached Ancelotti with an extension offer, but the Italian did not seem to like the terms mentioned in it.
As it’s been Madrid’s policy, the team from the capital city offered him a one-year extension, but Ancelotti fears that if there is a dip in performance, he could be sacked within months.
At the same time, he is also aware of the fact that if results are consistent, he could potentially see out the rest of his coaching career at Madrid.
On the other hand, he is also said to be tempted by the offer he has from the Brazil national team. While the tenure of that offer is currently unknown, the Italian has been offered a chance to lead the team in Copa America as well as the next FIFA World Cup.
What’s Madrid thinking beyond Ancelotti?
As of today, Alonso happens to be topping the shortlist Real Madrid have created, but a certain Roberto De Zerbi of Brighton & Hove Albion is on the agenda as well.
So far, nothing major has panned out in the context, but if Alonso is willing to move to Real Madrid, Leverkusen will not stand in his way, as said by the club CEO earlier.
“We’re not going to force someone to stay if he doesn’t want to stay. We want him to feel so happy and so good with us that he really only wants to stay and this is our objective,” said the Leverkusen CEO Fernando Carro.
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
