Ancelotti appeared at his last press conference for the game as manager of Real Madrid prior to the home game of the team against Real Sociedad. He gratefully expressed and offered his best wishes to Xabi Alonso, who is aware of him.
How special is tomorrow's game?
Very special, inevitable – it's my last game. When a chapter comes to an end, it is always emotional. That is what I am going through now, but I am not sad – on the contrary, I am very happy. I did my best and I will feel satisfied because this moment had to come sooner or later. I am grateful to everyone with whom I worked: the players, the club, the president … We had a great time together.
I am very grateful for the chance to coach these incredible players. It was a long time ago, but it ends well. I have never had a single argument with the president – and I never do that, not even on the last day. Everything is fine. A new chapter starts and I will continue with the same passion that I had when I arrived for the first time.
It has been a successful saying – we have won many titles. And I would say that enduring more than 700 press conferences is a success in itself (laughs). We have had good relationships, although it has not always been easy – some of those questions were not exactly friendly!
How do you spend today? What do you expect from tomorrow's farewell?
Just like any other day. Tomorrow will be a great tribute. Like I said, these are emotional days – talking to the players and so many people … I have always had a great relationship with everyone here. I am grateful for the atmosphere, even for the chefs who made me before competitions of Carbonara. I appreciate everyone. These days are special, but I have done nothing special.
Will be your most emotional day in the Bernabéu tomorrow?
Yes, I am someone who easily becomes emotional. It will certainly be a moving day. If I cry, that's okay – it will be something beautiful. I shared a lot with Modrić during my time here. He supported me a lot. He is a great person and it is special to say goodbye to him.
You get an official farewell – Trek at Real Madrid …
It was an honor to coach this club. The performance since 2013 speaks for themselves. I want to leave with the love I have for this club.
Any advice for future Real Madrid coaches?
I don't want to give advice – everyone has their own approach. I just hope they enjoy their time here. Xabi Alonso will be the first among them, and I wish him the very best. He has the opportunity to coach Real Madrid. I hope he enjoys it – that's all I want to say.
What was your best evening in the Bernabéu?
Too many! But I would say the comebacks – they remain a mystery even now. The nights we returned to PSG, Manchester City and Chelsea – I will never forget them.
What do you think of moving to the national team of Brazil after leaving Real Madrid?
Great. I can coach a team without betraying Real Madrid – and it is the most successful national team in history. It is a huge challenge, but I am very enthusiastic about leading Brazil to the World Cup.
How do you want to be remembered at Real Madrid?
Hopefully as a good coach – but that's the time to decide. Although I leave, I still feel so much love. That makes me happy and grateful.
If you ever leave Brazil, would you return to Real Madrid?
Hard to say (laughs). After I left Real Madrid, I didn't feel like coaching another club – and I still feel that way. As for the future … I don't know. For now my focus is on strong ending in Madrid.
What do you think of how football has evolved in recent years?
It has changed a lot. If I hadn't adapted, I would no longer have won Champions competitions. My younger, passionate coaching staff helped me to grow. Preparation for a game now includes much more analysis than before – things that were not even considered 20 years ago are now crucial. I have evolved. I am not the same person I was in 1995 or 2013.
What changes do you think the team needs now?
I don't know, and I don't want to participate. The club has the tools to build a competitive team for next season – that is always the goal. Tomorrow I will say goodbye next to Modrić – he is a role model. Having a player like he is the dream of every coach. There are many talented players, but he combines talent with character. That is what makes him a legend – without both, you are just a normal player.
Do you regret your six seasons in Madrid?
No, not really (laughs). I have made many mistakes – too much to count. But nobody chases me. Nothing that keeps me awake at night.
How do you want people to see you as a coach?
Don't know. My work is there to be assessed – that's fine. But I don't consider myself a “coach” – only someone who did the work. Some may think I did well, some may not – that's okay. But I hope nobody sees me as a bad person.
Do you think this marks the end of an era?
Some can say that with Modrić is leaving, the golden generation is over – although Carvajal is still there. But like everything in life, every generation must finish. Casemiro, Cristiano … Many have already disappeared. But Real Madrid lives on, and it is still the best club in the world.