Real Madrid’s stars often grab the headlines, but quietly steering the ship towards Champions League success once again is manager Carlo Ancelotti.
If Real Madrid beat Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday, Ancelotti could become the first manager to lift the trophy five times.
The Italian is already the most decorated coach in the tournament’s history, winning twice with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007, and then twice with Real Madrid in 2014 and 2022.
With the latter, Ancelotti overtook Liverpool manager Bob Paisley and his predecessor at Real Madrid, Zinedine Zidane, who have three each, to become “Mister Champions”.
Ancelotti won the competition twice as a player with Milan, but his exploits as a manager have become the stuff of legend, along with his recent trophy celebrations – sunglasses and cigar in hand.
The coach, who turns 65 on June 10, is adored by his players, as a result of his “silent leadership”, the title of his autobiography.
Ancelotti knows how to keep his players united in the right direction, even in difficult moments.
Brazilian striker Rodrygo Goes went through dry spells in front of goal, but Ancelotti always supported him.
“There are times when you score every time you touch the ball, and there are times when you shoot a lot and miss,” Ancelotti said in November. “Will pass.”
With Ancelotti keeping his confidence stable, Rodrygo did not panic and soon hit good form.
Vinicius Junior is another who struggled, but with Ancelotti’s guidance he found his peak level at the perfect time.
“It’s a job well done,” said Ancelotti. “He has great talent and has added great quality of movement without the ball.”
Creating such a warm feeling with your players helps them accept your decisions.
Midfielders Eduardo Camavinga and Aurelien Tchouameni have already played in defense on a few occasions, without causing any problems.
In addition to man management, Ancelotti has also made several important tactical decisions this season. Sometimes your work in this area is not appreciated.
“This team is well trained,” Ancelotti said a year ago, a rare arrogant comment from the coach normally content to live up to his avuncular image.
– 100 percent confidence –
Ancelotti’s first big decision of the season was how to sign newcomer Jude Bellingham.
The central midfielder started the campaign in attack and it paid instant dividends, with Bellingham scoring 13 goals in his first 13 games.
Later, Bellingham moved to the left or deeper into midfield.
“I trust the coach 100 percent, I know he knows what he is doing in every situation,” the former Dortmund player said this week.
One of the reasons for the change was the team’s only defeat in the league campaign, against Atlético de Madrid in September.
Ancelotti adjusted his setup after that, making Bellingham cover defensively and also be part of the attack. Madrid then went 32 games unbeaten in La Liga, winning the title.
“The games you can’t win, you don’t need to lose,” Ancelotti said in February.
Despite many injury problems, Los Blancos also did not lose in the Champions League, with the players in their squad playing in important moments.
Ancelotti kept them involved and Joselu’s double against Bayern in the semi-finals was the perfect reward.
The Italian is rarely nervous, although he admits he often feels tension in the hours leading up to the Champions League final.
With this being his sixth game as coach, he can confidently predict how things will play out.
“What do I like to eat? Broccoli, salmon and pasta. That’s what I’m going to eat,” Ancelotti explained on Monday.
“After that, an hour’s nap, sounds good, if I can get it. After that, all thoughts about the game (will come).
“Then, before the team talk, the heart rate starts to go up. Up to 110, 120 (beats per minute). Until the game starts. After the game starts, it goes back to normal pace.”
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