Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says the key to his success is that he enjoys his job but is not obsessed with the game.
The 64-year-old is set to lead Los Blancos into another Champions League final as the club chase a record-extending 15th title when they meet Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on Saturday.
Ancelotti has had a glittering career as a manager, winning four Champions League titles alongside the Premier League, LaLiga, Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Serie A.
It is perhaps why he remains so calm and collected on the touchline, knowing he has won almost everything on offer at the top level.
And the Italian has recently given an insight into his methods and way of thinking when it comes to managing one of the biggest football teams in the world.
Speaking to The Times, he said: “The key point is I have a lot of passion, but I’m not obsessed.
🚨 Ancelotti: “I am going to retire at Real Madrid, but first I want another Champions League.” pic.twitter.com/DfDNUJC8R8
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) May 28, 2024
“I’m not obsessed with my job. I never was, not about football.
“I really liked it, as a player, as a manager, but I don’t become crazy.
“I’m calm. It’s strange because before the game I am usually really nervous.
“The two or three hours before, I really don’t feel good. I have fast heart and I start to think bad thoughts, ‘They are going to score, what are we going to do?’ And when I am alone in the build-up, I try to sleep, but am not able to sleep.”
It is almost refreshing to hear a seasoned veteran say he still gets nervous before games but Ancelotti has little to worry about when he takes to the big stage this weekend.
Madrid have been formidable in both Spain and abroad this season.
Carlo Ancelotti becomes the first coach to reach six Champions League finals 👏#UCLfinal pic.twitter.com/F0NTYsFR6t
— UEFA Champions League (@ChampionsLeague) May 8, 2024
They won LaLiga at a canter, fending off rivals Barcelona with ease and allowing themselves to focus on the latter stages of Europe’s premium competition.
After leaving it late against Bayern Munich in the semi-finals, Madrid perhaps will feel less pressure in the final, where they have not lost since the 1980s.
Ancelotti has nothing left to prove, but another win on the biggest stage will further strengthen his case to be considered as the greatest manager of the modern era.
