Former Real Madrid boss Ancelotti believes Xabi Alonso ‘can succeed without any problem’
The 66-year-old was speaking at length to Spanish outlet AS
Ex-Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes his former player and successor, Xabi Alonso, “can succeed without any problem” at the Bernabeu.
The 66-year-old Italian, who departed Los Blancos in the summer after two trophy-laden spells in Madrid and is now head coach of the Brazil national team, was speaking to Spanish outlet AS about Alonso as well as his take on the Selecao’s chances at the World Cup next summer.
Alonso, who played under Ancelotti for Real and Bayern Munich, has made a promising start to life as Los Blancos head coach, winning 13 of their opening 14 matches as Real enjoyed their best start to the season in 64 years.
However, Real are currently winless in their last two games, after a 1-0 Champions League defeat to Liverpool was followed by a goalless stalemate at Rayo Vallecano in LaLiga.
But Ancelotti remains adamant in his belief in Alonso’s coaching capabilities.
“A footballer with great vision, I was convinced he [Alonso] could do very well. And he is doing very well.
“We already know that the best way to evaluate a coach is through results, and so far, the results have been spectacular.
“I think Xabi can succeed without any problem.”
Ancelotti also admitted he never envisaged himself in another managerial role at club level after leaving Real, but when Brazil came calling, he says it was difficult to refuse.
“Looking back, I think we had a great time; overall, they were spectacular years [at Real Madrid]. Not just because of the titles we won, but because of what we went through to win them,” Ancelotti said.
“The Champions League comebacks are an incredible memory. We’ll never forget it. Nobody will ever forget it. It will stay with us forever.
“So thinking about going to another club was difficult for me because of the legacy I had left there, which was huge.
“I found it hard to imagine myself at another club. But then Brazil called, and it became a great challenge, a great dream to prepare for a World Cup with the five-time champion team, the historic Selecao.
“Besides, being the national team coach is a different job. I really enjoy what I’m doing. I made the right decision.”
Speaking about Cristiano Ronaldo, another of his former players at Real who is closing in on a landmark 1,000 career goals, Ancelotti is convinced the 40-year-old can reach the remarkable milestone.
“He’s [Ronaldo] going to achieve it, I’m sure of it,” said Ancelotti.
“I have no doubt he’ll do it. In Italy, they recently asked me about [Luka] Modric and his 40 years, and I told them that of course he was going to play well at Milan. Luka and Cristiano are professionals who love football and are passionate about the sport.
“They will always achieve whatever they want. Cristiano will surely reach 1,000 goals, but when he does, he shouldn’t forget to invite me to the celebration of that incredible record.”