The Italian tactician strongly denied suggestions that star players dictate strategy at the Bernabéu and said Mourinho would be welcomed back
Carlo Ancelotti has denied suggestions that Real Madrid star players can become resistant whenever tactically demanding coaches arrive at the club.
Over the years, the club have faced recurring claims that Madrid’s biggest stars prefer freedom over structure and can push back against strict systems.
Across two spells at the club, Ancelotti won multiple Champions League trophies while managing some of football’s biggest personalities including Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Luka Modrić and Vinícius Júnior.
Yet, his calm communication style frequently allowed him to maintain harmony inside one of the most demanding dressing rooms in world football.
“No,” Ancelotti replied when asked in an interview with The Athletic. “Because it (makes it sound like) that players at Real Madrid do what they want. It’s not true. Absolutely bulls***. It is absolutely bulls***.
“Not true! The players… when I was there, I had an idea and tried to discuss this idea with the players, and I would see if they agreed or not. We even did this in the final of the Champions League.
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“When I have an idea, the player has to be part of this idea. I don’t want to impose strategy. But that does not mean that we do not have a strategy.”
Ancelotti on Mourinho speculation
Ancelotti’s departure was followed by Xabi Alonso’s arrival last summer, but the former Real Madrid midfielder parted ways with Los Blancos midway through the season.
He was succeeded by fellow former player Álvaro Arbeloa, who was promoted from Real Madrid Castilla but is not expected to prolong his tenure at the club after the summer.
One of the coaches who have been linked with Real Madrid in none other than José Mourinho, who’s tied to Benfica until June 2027.
Yet, his contract includes a clause that could see him depart the club if triggered and Ancelotti believes that the Portuguese coach could thrive at Los Blancos.
“To be back at Real Madrid, I will be really happy for him,” Ancelotti says. “He can do a fantastic job, as he always did in all the clubs that he was at.”
Mourinho’s confrontational style contrasts sharply with Ancelotti’s more relaxed and diplomatic personality. Yet both coaches share deep mutual respect, with Ancelotti previously describing Mourinho as one of football’s great competitors.
