Bundesliga 2016-17: I will never coach Atletico Madrid or Barcelona, says Carlo Ancelotti
Carlo Ancelotti in an interview with Spanish newspaper Marca has confirmed that he could never manage Atletico Madrid or Barcelona after spending two seasons with their bitter rivals, Real Madrid. Ancelotti was speaking about his team, Bayern Munich's, visit to the Vicente Calderon to face Atletico in a Champions League group stage encounter.
The new Bayern boss said, "No, I will never train Atletico or Barca. I respect the history of the rivalry and in the same way, I couldn't train either Lazio or Inter." In Italy, the 57-year-old had played for Roma and also played for and managed AC Milan. "It's my story and respect is very important. I have a lot of respect for Atletico and Barcelona, but I can't train them because I've coached Real Madrid for two years." said Ancelotti who finally brought the much awaited 'La Decima' to Bernabeu in his tenure.
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On travelling to the Calderon to face Atletico on September 28, the new Bayern boss said, "The reception will be normal for a rival team and a rival coach. I'll do my job, which is the challenge of winning at the Calderon. Things have not gone well for me there before but I want to win with Bayern." During his time with the Los Blancos, Ancelotti had a miserable record against Atletico and the Italian will look to avenge that with his Bayern squad.
Champions League is the target for Ancelotti
Ancelotti has reiterated that his aim at Munich will be to win the coveted Champions League which the Bavarians haven't won since 2013.
"They have missed out because of small details in the past and we'll try to reach that turning point in the best possible way. It's clear that our goal is to win the Champions League. I expect and want to win because I have never managed a victory at the Calderon with Chelsea or Real. Bayern already know how good Atletico are because they eliminated us last season. We've not forgotten”, the Italian added.
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Ancelotti has revealed that he keeps a photograph of him winning the La Decima in his office. “I really like what it represents. La Decima is one of my best memories of my career, it's up there with my first Champions League medal for Milan, they have the same value." He also spoke about being a Madridista for life which, will please the Real supporters. "I have as much affection for Madrid as I do for AC Milan, I'm a Madridista," he said.