Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti – you know, the same Chelsea manager who’d rather send his players to the operating theatre than an international qualifier – has come out in defence of Fabio Capello.
Despite England’s poor showing in the World Cup Ancelotti says “The criticism was unfair. England could play better but everyone has to have respect for Capello, not just as a coach but as a man. He’s coach of the national team and everyone now has another opportunity to show respect. He’s a winner. He won in every place. He won in Madrid. In Italy, he is the best winner. He won a lot of titles with Milan. He won at Juventus and Roma. He’s the number one coach. It’s his first experience with the national team but he did very well until the World Cup. Before the World Cup he was the best. Now, he’s not the worst.”
In fact, Carlo Ancelotti is pretty respectful all round when it comes to his fellow managers and despite his own successes as a manager, still believes he could learn a lot from his rivals.
Considered one of Europe’s top managers himself and with Serie A and even Champions League success to his credit before winning a Premier League and FA Cup double in his first season at Chelsea, Ancelotti suggests “I would like to watch a training session of (Jose) Mourinho, (Sir Alex) Ferguson or (Arsene) Wenger. I can really improve. If they asked to come here, I am happy. Three years ago, I asked if I or an assistant could watch others’ training sessions, but some coaches were not happy about this. When I finished my career as a player, I went and watched (Giovanni) Trapattoni and Marcello Lippi training. I watched Roy Hodgson training Switzerland. He prepares training sessions well. That was important for me to see.”
Personally I think he’s doing ok without the extra tuition though.
Blue is the colour
