Carlo Ancelotti reveals his ‘worst mistake’ at Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on the ‘worst mistake’ he’s made during his career with Real Madrid.

The 65-year-old is currently in his second stint as Madrid’s head coach having left in May 2015 before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

During his time at Madrid, Ancelotti has guided the club to 14 trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

However, Ancelotti has revealed that a dispute over his salary ended his hopes of securing a new contract with Madrid in 2014.

‘It is impossible to make only good decisions in thirty years,’ Ancelotti said in an interview with France Football.

‘For example, I had a bad one here in Madrid, after my first year. I was very close to extending my contract, the club wanted to keep me, but I pushed too hard in relation to my salary and they stopped.

‘It was a mistake, the worst I could have made. But it allowed me to learn.’

Ancelotti was also asked which players have had the biggest impact on him during his managerial career.

‘Paolo Maldini. He was a special player for me,’ Ancelotti said.

‘He had been my teammate, he became my captain. And he helped me a lot at Milan. We really had a strong, fantastic relationship.

‘Ibrahimovic, of course, with his strong character, his great personality.

‘Generally, the most important players are the easiest to deal with. They may have a big ego, but that can be their motivation. It’s not a problem to have a big ego if you prove yourself on the pitch and behave well. Teammates will follow and help.

‘Last season’s team was the easiest to coach because egos were low in the dressing room. The veterans Modric, Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho, they have no ego. They served as an example to everyone who saw them.

‘From a relational point of view, it was great. No player complained about not playing. It was a dream.’

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