In an interview with Italian actor Giacomo Poretti, Carlo Ancelotti casually shared some crazy moments from his rich career. One such incident involved a player who refused to listen to the current Real Madrid coach and made sure to show it clearly.
Carlo Ancelotti, one of football’s most accomplished managers, recently shared an amusing yet insightful anecdote about his career during an interview with Italian actor Giacomo Poretti.
Known for his calm demeanor and ability to handle some of the biggest names in the sport, the current Real Madrid coach reflected on a moment that perfectly captures the challenges of managing elite footballers.
Ancelotti did not reveal which club this incident took place at or the identity of the player involved, keeping the mystery intact. However, with a smile, he recounted the story, highlighting the sometimes-unexpected behavior of footballers in the dressing room. He explained that many players have had issues with him throughout his career, but he always found a way to resolve them. One particular case stood out, though, when a player deliberately tried to ignore him in a unique way. Every time Ancelotti started speaking in the locker room, the player would wrap a towel around his head, effectively blocking out his words. While this might seem like an exaggeration, it was the player’s way of making it clear that he had no interest in listening to the coach’s instructions. Ancelotti found the situation amusing at first but eventually had to address it. One day, he finally told the player that things couldn’t continue like that.
This revelation adds another fascinating chapter to Ancelotti’s long career, which has seen him manage some of the world’s biggest clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. Over the years, he has worked with countless stars, each with their own personalities and quirks. His ability to maintain composure and adapt to different dressing room dynamics has been a defining trait of his success. Unlike some managers who prefer a strict, authoritative approach, Ancelotti is known for his diplomatic and understanding style. His book Quiet Leadership reflects this philosophy, emphasizing the importance of patience, mutual respect, and open communication rather than confrontation.
During the interview, Ancelotti elaborated on his approach to handling players, explaining that he rarely takes things personally, even in difficult situations. He admitted that he would love to be a fly on the wall in the homes of players who are left out of the starting lineup. He is curious about what they say when they get home after being benched and acknowledges that some players struggle to separate personal feelings from professional decisions. He noted that there are players who find it difficult to even greet him the morning after they have been left out of the squad, as if being dropped from the lineup was a personal insult rather than a tactical choice.
Managing a squad full of top-tier talent is never easy, especially at clubs where competition for places is fierce. Keeping every player happy is nearly impossible, but Ancelotti has mastered the art of balancing individual egos with the collective needs of the team. His ability to maintain harmony within the squad while still making tough decisions is one of the reasons he has remained at the top of the game for so long.
One of the more lighthearted moments of the interview came when Ancelotti was asked about his well-known habit of chewing gum during matches. Many fans have noticed that he is rarely seen on the sidelines without a piece of gum in his mouth. He explained that chewing gum is his way of managing stress. When a match starts, his heart rate rises significantly, often reaching around 120 beats per minute. In contrast, during the interview, he estimated that his heart rate was probably around 63. The simple act of chewing gum helps him stay calm, allowing him to focus on the game without becoming overwhelmed by the intensity of the moment.
This small detail may seem insignificant, but it provides insight into how even the most experienced coaches have their own ways of dealing with the immense pressure of football management. Every decision they make is scrutinized, and the expectations at a club like Real Madrid are sky-high. Keeping a cool head in high-pressure situations is crucial, and Ancelotti has found a simple yet effective method to help him stay composed.
Despite his calm approach, Ancelotti has never shied away from making tough decisions when necessary. His ability to navigate difficult situations and maintain strong relationships with his players has been key to his longevity in the sport. Whether dealing with a player who refuses to listen, managing egos in a star-studded squad, or finding ways to stay relaxed in the heat of a match, Ancelotti continues to prove why he is one of the greatest managers of his generation.
As Real Madrid continues to compete at the highest level, Ancelotti’s leadership will once again be tested. However, with his vast experience, composed demeanor, and ability to handle the complexities of modern football, he remains one of the most respected figures in the game. And while he may no longer have to deal with players ignoring him by wrapping towels around their heads, his unique ability to connect with his squad ensures that he remains one of the most influential managers in the sport today.
