There are some players whose legacy in football overrides trivial rivalries, and who are worshipped and respected all over the world by fans and rivals alike. Real Madrid’s Luka Modric is one such example, and another name with equal stature is Barcelona legend Andres Iniesta.
As one of the finest ever Spanish midfielders, the legend has won it all at both the club and international level. He is still an active player, and earlier this week spoke to La Gazzetta dello Sport in a detailed interview.
Iniesta praises Ancelotti
While the interview was primarily about Barcelona and the Catalans’ upcoming clash against Napoli in the Champions League, the Spanish veteran also took a moment to praise Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti and his greatness in the footballing world.
“Little to say about Ancelotti. His career speaks for him. As a player and as a coach. Having the ability to train Real Madrid twice, succeed on both occasions, returning to a club of that size and making it work again is not easy. He has incredible merit,” he said, as revealed by Mundo Deportivo.
Staying on the theme of Real Madrid, he spoke on Kylian Mbappe’s potential transfer from PSG to Real Madrid, he backed Luis Enrique to help PSG get back on their feet.
“Luis Enrique is the right person to manage Mbappé’s departure. Nothing surprises him, he is a clear guy who knows what he wants and what is best for the group. His decisions always go in that direction.”
A demanding job
As reiterated by the Barcelona legend, managing an elite club is easier said than done, especially a club of Real Madrid’s stature. To come to the club twice and succeed with flying colours, needless to say, defines greatness.
Ancelotti has not had it easy this season. Right from the two early ACL injuries to the continuously moving train of fitness setbacks, dealing with players on the bench and keeping all members of the squad happy – the profession is far more challenging than it appears.
Yet, the Italian tactician makes it appear effortless, as he has handled the situation with Arda Guler in recent times.
Ancelotti will go down as one of the best man-managers in recent times, and Real Madrid are blessed to have him at the helm.