On a momentous night at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti is set to reach a landmark 300 games as the head coach of Real Madrid when his team hosts Alaves on Tuesday in a Spanish La Liga clash. The Italian maestro becomes only the second manager in the club’s illustrious history to achieve this feat, following in the footsteps of the legendary Miguel Munoz, who led the team in 605 matches.
Ancelotti, 65, has been hailed by Los Blancos as “the most successful coach in the club’s history,” sharing this honor with Munoz. Under his guidance, Real Madrid has secured two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey trophies, and an impressive three UEFA Champions League crowns, among other accolades.
Reflecting on his journey, Ancelotti expressed his gratitude and astonishment at the milestone. “I’m not thinking about my future whatsoever, I love this job,” he shared during a press conference on Monday. “I have been lucky enough to coach great clubs, and tomorrow will mark my 300th game at the best club in the world. It is something special to be in this dugout; to do it 300 times is not quite a miracle, but it is almost a miracle.”
Known for his calm demeanor and strategic acumen, Ancelotti emphasized his passion for the game and his desire to continue leading Real Madrid. “Sure, you can’t compare my tiredness to that of the players. There is pressure, responsibility, but I love it. At the moment, I don’t see myself as having an expiry date; I’d love to stay here for many years to come,” he added.
As the season unfolds, Real Madrid currently sits second in La Liga with 14 points, trailing leaders Barcelona by four points after six games comprising four wins and two draws. Ancelotti acknowledged the significance of both victories and draws in the team’s journey. “Some records are about winning and others are about not losing. We are coming from a very long run, and that means a lot of success, because draws often help you a lot,” he said.
He continued, “I think that in football, if you can’t win, at least don’t lose. Sometimes a draw gives a better feeling than a defeat. Defeat gives options to improve, that’s true. But our success in the Champions League in the past lies in our solidity, in the way we compete.”
Looking ahead, Ancelotti remains confident in his team’s ability to regain their formidable form. “It has taken us a while to find this solidity at the start of the season, but we are going to find it, because the mental attitude of the players is very good,” he concluded.
The upcoming match against Alaves not only marks a significant personal milestone for Ancelotti but also presents an opportunity for Real Madrid to close the gap at the top of the table, as they continue their pursuit of domestic and European success under his experienced leadership.
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Carlo Ancelotti: 'Almost a miracle' to coach Real Madrid for 300 games
cgtn.com
