Carlo Ancelotti condemns Florentino Perez's decision to sack Rafael Benitez
Carlo Ancelotti, who will take over from Pep Guardiola as Bayern Munich manager for the 2016-17 season has opened up on his thoughts on the actions and decisions of Florentino Perez at Real Madrid. In an interview given to the Chinese broadcaster Sina Sports, Ancelotti has criticised Perez’s decision to sack Rafa Benitez. The note of anger in his tone could be sensed clearly.
Ancelotti said, "The news from Spain during Christmas wasn't so good, as you know I have a special sentiment towards Real Madrid. I made a lot of friends there and when there are problems I get angry as well.”
Benitez faced the axe after just seven months into the job at the club. Benitez was replaced by Zinedine Zidane who was until then in charge of Madrid’s B-division club Castilla. There were also reports of a growing enmity between the some of the important players and Benitez. But his sacking did seem unfair as he got very little time to prove his worth.
On this note the Italian said, "After a lot of games this season Real Madrid are still in the fight for the Liga and Champions League titles, but Florentino Pérez decided to sack Benítez. I know that the work of a manager is always linked to results. I also know that our job is surrounded by controversy but on this occasion I genuinely could not understand the decision. Madrid had only played half a season."
Zidane has the ability to manage Real Madrid: Ancelotti
Zidane had been Ancelotti’s assistant during his stint at the Santiago Bernabeu. That very same year Real Madrid achieved La Decima. With Ancelotti as their manager, Real also won the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. They only came third in the La Liga standings.
Ancelotti held a good relationship with Zidane throughout and the Italian has no doubts about Zidane being a successful manager. He wished Zidane all the best saying. Zidane is going to be the fifth manager for Real Madrid since Perez took over in 2009.
"Zidane will be the fifth manager at Real Madrid since 2009. Is it always the fault of the coach? People can draw their own conclusions. I admire my friend Zidane, we had some great times together on the bench, we won the Décima together at Real Madrid and so he is part of the team. Time will give us an answer, but without doubt, Zidane has the ability to manage Real Madrid. I sincerely wish him the best."
On being asked on who he thought were the best teams in Europe so far this season, Ancelotti named Barcelona and Bayern Munich. He specifically mentioned Leicester City as he feels that their achievements stand out. Claudio Ranieri has been on good terms with Ancelotti as a colleague and Ancelotti is happy for them.
The Italian thinks Chelsea is the worst team of this season but believes that the tide was turning for them and soon Chelsea will have left their bad days behind.
Ancelotti was also asked who he thinks is the best player so far. He said, "Vardy, without doubt, is the surprise of the season. It's hard to believe that a short while ago he was in an amateur league. And Neymar."