Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that he has rejected the chance to take on a huge management role because it seemed “like a part -time job”.
The Italian coach, 65, hopes on Wednesday to come up with a stunning comeback from 3-0 for Real Madrid against Arsenal, although preparations have been anything but flexible.
Ancelotti has been at the club since 2021, but he has now opened how he rejected the Italian national team in 2018 before they finally appointed Roberto Mancini.
Speaking with the Swiss broadcaster RSI, he said he rejected the role because he feared that he would “lose a little passion”.
He explained: “I said no because I didn't feel so much.
“I really like to stand on the field every day to prepare training sessions, and the national team seemed like a part -time job that would lose me a bit of my passion.
“That's the only reason.”
Ancelotti's contract with the Spanish giants runs until 2026.
However, the club is confronted with a mountain climb to defend their Champions League crown and follows Barcelona in La Liga with four points.
They also play their arch rivals in the Copa del Rey-final later this month, and if they do not overcome Barcelona in at least one of the domestic games, they can be left with a lot-free this season.
If that happens, ruthless club bosses cannot waste time by relieving his duties as a manager despite his great record during his second spell in Madrid.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed that Real Madrid will take a step for Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen when Ancelotti leaves.
Ancelotti said that at the end of the season he would discuss his future with the club and tell reporters: “I don't have to talk about things about my future because the contract is pretty clear.
“Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially at difficult moments.”
Since he returns to manage Los Blancos, Ancelotti has won 11 titles, including two champion competitions, two league titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager joined Everton's club and revealed that he initiated contact during a return.
He added: “Actually, I was the one she called.
“The year before I had contacted to see if they had players available, and we eventually signed James Rodriguez.
“I knew they were looking for a coach the following year.
“I spoke with the director and said they should get a good one.”
Ancelotti also admitted that before he came to the Toffees, his dream was to manage Liverpool, but after he had experienced the rivalry of the Merseysiders firsthand, he was now “absolutely” an Everton fan.
He said: “My dream was to coach Liverpool, but then I was with Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I am definitely an Everton fan.
“I really loved the surroundings, because there is a spectacular passion for colors.
“You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, who excels in the Premier League for years and still today.”
Comments