Ancelotti gives full backing to Mourinho’s Real Madrid return: ‘Can do a fantastic job’ | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti has publicly backed the possible return of Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid while also defending the mentality and professionalism of the club’s dressing room.

Now managing the Brazil national football team, Ancelotti spoke to The Athletic about several topics related to his time at Real Madrid, including criticism often directed at the players.

During the interview, Ancelotti strongly dismissed suggestions that the Real Madrid players lack discipline or ignore tactical instructions from the coaching staff.

“It gives the impression that Real Madrid’s players do whatever they want. That’s not true. It’s complete nonsense. That’s not true! 

“The players… when I was there, I had an idea, and I tried to discuss it with them to see if they agreed or not. We even did that in the Champions League final.”

His management of the Madrid squad

The former Real Madrid coach also explained that communication and collaboration with players formed an important part of his management style during his time at the Santiago Bernabeu.

“When I have an idea, the player has to be part of it. I don’t want to impose a strategy. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have a strategy.”

He then defended the tactical structure behind Real Madrid’s recent success, adding, 

“We had a strategy, and a solid one, because we won two Champions Leagues in four years, and the players were very focused on following it and sticking to the plan. 

“The idea that Real Madrid don’t want to follow a strategy isn’t true.”

Rebuilding after losing key leaders

Ancelotti has backed Mourinho’s appointment. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

While defending the squad, Ancelotti also admitted that Real Madrid are currently dealing with an important transition period after the departures of several experienced figures in recent years.

The Italian highlighted the exits of Casemiro, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema and Nacho Fernandez as major losses both on and off the pitch.

“Real Madrid’s difficulties… the older generation of players needs to rebuild. In recent years, Real Madrid has lost some very important players: Casemiro, Kroos, Modric, Benzema, and Nacho. 

“The atmosphere in the squad is important. It comes from these players, who have more character, more personality and more leadership.”

He also added that he believes “Real Madrid needs time to rebuild that atmosphere in the squad, which previously brought them so much success.”

Lastly, with Mourinho continuing to be heavily linked with a return to Real Madrid ahead of next season, Ancelotti also made it clear that he fully supports the possibility of the Portuguese coach taking charge again.

“I’m absolutely delighted that he’s returning to Real Madrid. He can do a fantastic job, just as he always has at every club he’s been at,” he added.