“What more can you ask of Xabi Alonso?” - Carlo Ancelotti speaks exclusively to AS

Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most respected voices and the most decorated coach in Real Madrid’s history with 15 titles, has spoken exclusively to us at AS. Here’s a preview of the full interview, set to be published later today, around 3 p.m. ET.

Ancelotti on Madrid’s Brazilians

The Italian maestro discusses his former Madrid players who are now under his watch with the Brazilian national team – Endrick, currently getting few minutes with Los Blancos; Vinicius, often in the media spotlight; and Rodrygo, whom Ancelotti helped through a rough patch.

“I didn’t do anything special. I just understood the problem he had,” says the coach about the winger, who’s also struggling for form at Madrid, having gone eight months without scoring and often starting from the bench.

Ancelotti’s Madrid record

After departing Real Madrid in the summer to make way for Xabi Alonso, Ancelotti left behind an extraordinary record. Across his two spells in charge, he built an imposing legacy: three Champions League titles, three Club World Cups, two La Liga titles, two Copa del Reys, three UEFA Super Cups, and two Spanish Super Cups. In total, he oversaw 250 victories for Madrid – 162 in La Liga, 53 in the Champions League, 22 in the Copa del Rey, five in the Spanish Super Cup, five in the Club World Cup, and three in the UEFA Super Cup.

Despite such dominance, Ancelotti often faced the claim that he was more of a people manager than a tactical coach. He rejects that notion firmly: “It’s a lie that I was just a manager.”

Ancelotti on Alonso

He also empathizes with the pressure currently on Xabi Alonso, who is enduring criticism after defeats against Atlético and Liverpool and a recent draw at Rayo Vallecano. “A draw at Real Madrid is the prelude to a crisis,” says Ancelotti. “Madrid’s results have been spectacular so far. What more can anyone ask?”

In the full interview, the veteran coach also reflects on Neymar, Vitor Roque, the Brazilian national team, and the next World Cup, offering insight into both his past at Real Madrid and his present with Brazil. You’ll not want to miss it!

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