Bavarian manager and former Los Blancos coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has revealed his intention of never coaching Atletico Madrid. While it is difficult to say “never”, club loyalties and fan loyalties mean a lot to the Italian and that is what might refrain Ancelotti from managing clubs such as Inter and Atletico Madrid as they are direct rivals of clubs, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
The Italian has coached several top tier European clubs and has always been a fan favourite at the various clubs he has been in. Considered a reserved coach with excellent man-management skills, Ancelotti has had an illustrious career managing the likes of Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Real Madrid and PSG.
Respect is very important, says Ancelotti
Currently, in charge of Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich, the coach was quizzed about his loyalty to various clubs to which he stated, “I respect the history of the rivalry and in the same way, I couldn't train either Lazio or Inter. It's my story and respect is very important. I have a lot of respect for Atletico and Barcelona, but I can't train them because I've coached Real Madrid for two years.”
The Italian was quizzed about the possibility of a hostile reception at the Vicente Calderon when Bayern travel to Spain’s, Atletico Madrid for a Group D Champions League tie. Instead, the Italian who has enjoyed a stellar career as a player and manager chose to waive it off stating, “The reception will be normal for a rival team and a rival coach. I'll do my job, which is the challenge of winning at the Calderon. Things have not gone well for me there before but I want to win with Bayern.”
Ancelotti holds the unique record of managing seven teams in the Champions League and has already won the competition thrice – twice with AC Milan and once with Real Madrid. In fact, Ancelotti was at the helm at Madrid, when they finally lifted their historic 10th Champions League title by beating Atletico in the final. Termed as "La Decima", it took the club almost 12 years before the Champions League trophy returned to the Santiago Bernabeu.
Wary of Atletico
The 57-year-old was quizzed about Bayern’s chances this campaign and the Italian took the time to explain that certain details had been overlooked which had led to the club’s elimination. He stated, “They have missed out because of small details in the past and we'll try to reach that turning point in the best possible way. It's clear that our goal is to win the Champions League.”
Bayern were eliminated by Atletico last campaign as the Spanish side made it to the final only to lose out to neighbours and rivals, Real Madrid. The result was a repeat of the 2014 Champions League final in which Los Blancos were the victors and were then managed by Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian concluded on a positive note stating, “Bayern already know how good Atletico are because they eliminated us last season. We've not forgotten.”
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