Few coaches have enjoyed as successful careers as Carlo Ancelotti.
Xabi Alonso, who played under the Italian at Real Madrid and then again at Bayern Munich, has revealed what makes the ex-AC Milan boss so special.
“He takes things very seriously, but at the same time he’s smart enough not to joke,” Alonso said. “He doesn’t say things in such a meaningful way, but he knows how to work with great players.
“He’s had an incredible career and he knows how to approach players. Sometimes he’s more demanding, sometimes he gives them more responsibility.
“He’s easy to work with because he’s a football guy. He likes to be close to the players, but also to give them responsibility.
“He knows a lot about football. Football has no secrets from him. He has a lot of knowledge, but at the same time he studies and analyses the opposition.”
Ancelotti is one of football’s most-loved men, and Alonso recognised that fact.
“I’ve never heard anyone speak ill of him,” Alonso said. “He’s a great coach, and he was a great player too. But, above all, he’s a great man.
“He’s honest, he has a good heart, he’s well respected and he respect everyone. That’s above everything else.”
