Carlo Ancelotti (foto: Getty Images)
Carlo Ancelotti, the esteemed manager of Real Madrid, is renowned for his tactical acumen but for his unparalleled ability to manage some of football's most prominent personalities.
Ancelotti's former assistant, Paul Clement, sheds light on the legendary coach's approach, revealing insights into his success in navigating the complex dynamics of top-tier teams.
Described as 'cool-headed,' 'pragmatic,' and effortlessly at home in high-pressure environments, Ancelotti's leadership style is a blend of calm composure and strategic insight. Unlike many of his contemporaries, Ancelotti exhibits a relaxed demeanor, which Clement, who has worked alongside him at Chelsea, PSG, Real Madrid, and Bayern Munich, attributes to his mastery in people management.
"Ancelotti is simply brilliant at it," Clement reveals. He's not just adept at dealing with star players but also excels in his interactions with club owners like Silvio Berlusconi, Roman Abramovich, and Florentino Perez. Clement suggests that Ancelotti's people skills are so refined that they could easily fill a book.
One notable anecdote from their time at Madrid (2013-2015) highlights Ancelotti's strategic flexibility and understanding of player psychology. Ancelotti decided to position Cristiano Ronaldo at the spearhead of the attack, a significant shift from Ronaldo's usual role on the left wing. Despite Ronaldo's initial reluctance, Ancelotti developed a dual system that accommodated Ronaldo's preferences while also meeting the team's tactical needs. "We played a 4-3-3 with Ronaldo on the left when attacking and shifted to a 4-4-2 with Ronaldo up front when defending," Clement explains, underlining Ancelotti's innovative approach.
Clement also recounts a fiery moment from their time at PSG, dispelling the myth of Ancelotti's unflappable nature. During a match against Evian, Ancelotti's frustration boiled over, leading to a moment where he kicked a box that inadvertently struck Zlatan Ibrahimović in the head. "I had never seen him that angry," Clement says, revealing a rare glimpse of Ancelotti's passionate side.
This blend of strategic ingenuity, emotional intelligence, and occasional intensity forms the cornerstone of Ancelotti's managerial philosophy. His ability to adapt, communicate, and inspire underlines why he remains one of football's most respected figures.