Carlo Ancelotti is a true legend of modern football, and any list of the greatest managers would be incomplete without his mention. In a career spanning over two decades, he achieved unparalleled success with some of the best football teams across Europe.
Ancelotti’s calm demeanor, tactical understanding, and ability to manage star-studded squads are genuinely exceptional. But does it make him the greatest coach of modern football?
Well, let’s take a deeper dive into his illustrious career to find out.
Consistency and Success
Carlo Ancelotti began his coaching career in the mid-90s. His astute understanding of the game, strategic acumen, and excellent interpersonal skills helped him achieve consistent results for his teams.
His tenure at AC Milan in the early 2000s is often regarded as one of the most successful periods in the club’s history. Under Ancelotti, Milan won two UEFA Champions League titles in 2003 and 2007, solidifying his reputation as a top-class manager.
After winning the Champions League with Milan, Ancelotti went on to coach some of the most successful clubs in Europe. He helmed Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Napoli. He made a significant contribution at every club he coached, winning several titles. His flexibility to evolve with different leagues and settings and his ability to excel are a testament to his managerial expertise.
Champions league mastery
Ancelotti’s performance in the UEFA Champions League could be the key argument that proves him to be the best coach of the modern era. He has claimed the trophy four times as a manager – twice with AC Milan and twice with Real Madrid. His fourth title, which came with Real Madrid last year, made him the manager who has won the Champions League in four different decades.
Champions League achievement is not simply a matter of the number of titles but also how his teams play. The main features of Ancelotti’s teams are their strict tactical discipline, steady nerves, and ability to cope with stress. In the sensational second half of the 2022 semi-final versus Manchester City, Real Madrid showed their true colors, spearheaded by Ancelotti’s tactical proficiency and leadership skills.
With Real Madrid set to face off against Borussia Dortmund for this year’s championship, placing a Champions League winner bet on the team coached by Ancelotti seems a prudent move.
Tactical flexibility and player management
One of Ancelotti’s most extraordinary skills is the ability to use a myriad of tactics. In contrast to many top managers who stick to a particular style of play, Ancelotti has shown the capability to adapt his tactics to suit his players’ strengths. This pragmatic approach to management has been one of the secret ingredients of his recipe for success, enabling him to achieve maximum output from his players.
Ancelotti is also noted for his ability to manage players. Most players who have played under him have great respect for Ancelotti as manager and coach. He is known for his calmness and composure, which helped him deal with ego problems and the pressures of managing high-class football clubs.
Players such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimović, and Sergio Ramos have all been singing praises for Ancelotti, highlighting his ability to provide a positive and harmonious environment in the dressing room.
Comparisons with other greats
Anchelotti’s comparison to other legendary managers like Sir Alex Ferguson, Pep Guardiola, and José Mourinho is unavoidable. Each of these managers has their own unique style and set of achievements.
Ferguson stayed with Manchester United for a long time, and he led the club to outstanding achievements. Guardiola’s tactical understanding has changed the face of football, while Mourinho’s talent for winning trophies with underdog teams is fantastic.
Nevertheless, the main characteristic that differentiates Ancelotti from other managers is his rare ability to find success in any league or tournament. His exceptional record in the Champions League alone puts him ahead on this list.
While Ferguson and Guardiola have been at the helm of their teams for many years, Ancelotti has established himself as a manager who can thrive in different contexts, showing his ability to adapt and evolve.
The verdict
Let’s get one thing very clear: it is difficult to pick one manager as the greatest of the modern era. However, Carlo Ancelotti’s accomplishments build a strong case. His unwavering devotion, ingenuity, and Champions League success make him better than his peers.
Whether or not he is the best might be disputable, but there are no two ways about it that Ancelotti will be among the most successful and influential managers of all time.
