Carlo Ancelotti used to be somewhat disparagingly referred to as a 'cup specialist'. He even humorously entitled his autobiography 'I Prefer The Cup'.
Now, though, Ancelotti is arguably becoming more associated with tearful goodbyes.
When Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge relieved him of his duties as head coach in 2017, he was taken aback by Ancelotti's response.
"It's okay," the former AC Milan midfielder assured the German. "You're not my boss anymore but we're still friends."
"I had to cry," Rummenigge later admitted.
There was a barely a dry eye at Castel Volturno either when Ancelotti came to collect his possessions after being sacked by Napoli earlier this month.
According to the Corriere dello Sport, the coach, his assistant – and son – Davide, club vice-resident Edoardo De Laurentiis and even some players were left in tears.
Many supporters, meanwhile, were enraged by their club’s decision to dispense with the services of one of the most respected and successful coaches in world football.
"The sacking of Carlo Ancelotti is a defeat," wrote Gomorrah actor and Napoli fan Salvatore Esposito. "A great defeat for the club, the coach and the players, regardless of the results. Honour goes to a great man and a great coach."
Anyone who has worked or dealt with Ancelotti would certainly share the view that the intelligent, dignified and witty Italian is a "great man".
Former AC Milan captain Paolo Maldini once revealed how Ancelotti would often crack jokes before major finals to defuse the tension in the dressing room.
Whether Ancelotti is still a "great coach", though, has become a talking point of late.
GOAL
No comments:
Post a Comment