"Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo? It was very easy" - Carlo Ancelotti responds when asked about experience of managing the Real Madrid legend
Carlo Ancelotti has opened up about his experience of managing Real Madrid legend Cristiano Ronaldo. The Italian head coach managed the Portuguese icon for two years during his first stint at Los Blancos from 2013 to 2015.
When recently asked how it was coaching the five-time Ballon d'Or winner on The Obi One Podcast, Carlo Ancelotti said (via @MadridXtra on X):
"Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo? It was very easy. When you have a player who scores every game, it’s easy (laughs)."
Speaking more about the 39-year-old forward, Carlo Ancelotti said (via @TeamCRonaldo on X):
"What Cristiano Ronaldo has achieved in his career is something very wonderful, something unbelievable."
Ronaldo arrived in Santiago Bernabéu in 2009 after six years at Manchester United. The Portugal national team captain is Real Madrid's all-time leading goalscorer with 451 goals while providing 131 assists in 438 appearances across all competitions.
During his nine-year tenure at Los Blancos, Ronaldo also won three La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey, two Supercopa de España, four UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups, and three FIFA Club World Cups. He also won four of his five Ballon d'Or awards (2013, 2014, 2016, and 2017) during his time at the Spanish giants.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti on the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his opinion when asked about the Cristiano Ronaldo vs Lionel Messi debate back in 2022. The 65-year-old manager did not have a straight choice and praised both the greats in their respective career trajectories. Ancelotti told Radio Anch'io Sport (via 90 min):
"The duel gave them both motivations. In recent years, they have been the main players in the world of football, playing great and scoring many goals.
"Messi closes his career with the World Cup, CR7 closes it a different way, but it was extraordinary anyway. Especially here, in Madrid, he will remain forever in the hearts of the fans," added the Italian manager.
Ancelotti began his second stint at Los Blancos in 2021 and his contract there is valid until June 30, 2026. Overall, he has won two La Liga titles and three UEFA Champions League titles among other honors with the Spanish club.