Ancelotti Reveals Reasons for Declining Italian National Team Role

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has shed light on his decision to turn down the opportunity to lead the Italian national team. The experienced coach expressed concerns that the position’s part-time nature might diminish his passion for the sport.

In a recent interview, Ancelotti elaborated on his previous refusal of the Italian coaching job in 2018, prior to Roberto Mancini’s appointment. He stated, “I declined because I didn’t feel it was the right fit for me. I greatly enjoy the daily routine of preparing training sessions, and the national team position seemed like it would be part-time work that could potentially reduce my enthusiasm for the job. That was the primary reason for my decision.”

Ancelotti also shared his thoughts on Filippo Inzaghi, one of Italy’s most prolific strikers, whom he coached at AC Milan. He praised Inzaghi’s exceptional ability to read the game and find spaces, noting that the majority of his over 300 career goals were scored with a single touch.

Regarding his return to Real Madrid in 2021, Ancelotti revealed that he initiated contact with the club. He had previously reached out to inquire about player availability, which led to the signing of James Rodriguez. Aware of their search for a new coach, Ancelotti proactively approached the club’s director, recommending they secure a high-quality manager.

Since rejoining Real Madrid, Ancelotti has further cemented his legacy by winning two additional Champions League titles, bringing his total to five and making him the most successful coach in the competition’s history.