Ancelotti Jr: Mourinho is the best fit for Real Madrid; you won't find another Kroos in the world

Davide Ancelotti discussed his coaching philosophy and Real Madrid's current situation, among other topics, in an interview with AS. This is the second part of the interview.

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Do you enjoy watching Barcelona matches?

As I said, I prefer vertical football. Barcelona currently plays very directly forward. Of course, I love watching Barcelona's games, and I've suffered at their hands in the past. It was hard to contain them back then. I really like Raphinha playing as a No. 9, I appreciate his off-the-ball movement... Of course, a team needs forwards who can attack space and midfielders who can deliver precise passes into those gaps.

How is Real Madrid doing in this regard?

I don't want everything I say about Real Madrid to be interpreted as criticism. But when Modric and Kroos are on the field, every forward run into space receives a pass. I'm not saying the current Real Madrid players don't have this ability. I mean, to play vertical football, you need someone who can deliver such passes. Vertical football isn't just about stacking eight sprinters; you also need someone to supply them with ammunition. It's a complete game philosophy.

How can a team cope with the loss of Kroos?

What you lose, you can never get back.

What exactly has Real Madrid lost?

The best player in that position in the world. You can't think "just find another Kroos," because there's no second one.

What makes Kroos special?

He controls the entire game, dictating its tempo. The game moves at his pace. He controls everything, and that's crucial; he orchestrates the speed of play. Besides that, he has incredible running ability, covering 11 kilometers in a single game. Excellent defensive awareness and top-notch tactical understanding. I particularly liked watching him play as a No. 6 defensive midfielder. Truly outstanding...

What about Kroos himself?

He doesn't really like battling for second balls, close-contact duels... He prefers playing as an No. 8, leaving the dirty work to his No. 6 teammates. Inevitably, for Real Madrid's system, losing Toni has a huge impact; the team instantly loses too much.

Are you on good terms with him?

I have a good relationship with everyone, Modric included. But Toni and I often discuss football; he's a very intelligent person. Talking to him is very enlightening, it makes you think, he always has a unique perspective on things, and that helps a coach grow. His departure is truly a pity.

If Rodri had joined Real Madrid back then, would he have fit in?

Yes. Rodri can establish himself in any team. This player...

Was he the closest replacement for Kroos that could be found at the time?

There's no need to be fixated on finding a replica of Toni. Real Madrid will find a new balance between attack and defense. With or without Rodri, Real Madrid, as always, will fight until the last moment. When it comes to deciding the outcome, Real Madrid is always there.

To manage the Real Madrid locker room, is a gentle approach or an iron fist more suitable?

You need a balance of both. The Real Madrid locker room, like any other team, has strong personalities and players with strong self-esteem. When players have strong self-esteem, you must guide it so it doesn't turn negative, into arrogance and selfishness. You have to transform that self-esteem into a positive force: believing that anyone, including teammates, can decide the game at any moment. This quality cannot be bought; only seasoned players in top teams like Real Madrid possess it.

It's a very difficult thing to do.

You have to find a balance between demanding strictness and close communication. You can't just be friendly, otherwise, you won't win games; that's impossible. Everyone says my father is a kind person. That's true, but he's also very demanding. If you're just a nice guy, you can't lead a team; but if you're only a strict general, that won't work either.

Is Vinicius a difficult player to manage?

How to evaluate Vini... He helped us win two Champions League finals. I only have gratitude for him. It's no accident that he's loved by the whole team, because he's selfless. He never misses training, never shies away, never fakes it, never slacks off, never uses injuries as an excuse to skip training. He always gives his all for the team. His teammates see it, which is why everyone likes him so much.

What about on the field?

When he's in form, he has the ability to change the balance of the game. You have to understand that having such a player affects the team's overall offensive and defensive structure. Because he plays directly, with strong vertical thrust. He's full of confidence, dares to take on defenders one-on-one... But he needs a supporting system behind him. If the system is missing, the game can easily get out of control. Because Vinicius will keep pushing, always going forward...

I see.

It's hard to change Vinicius himself, but you can adjust the entire system behind him. When he's on fire, Vinicius can win games by himself, and he has done so countless times at Real Madrid.

If Vinicius is paired with Mbappe, how should the system behind them be adjusted?

(Laughs) You have to fully utilize the team's incredibly strong vertical thrust, enjoy the benefits it brings, and at the same time be prepared for the inherent risks of this style of play. Note, I'm not talking about the current Real Madrid; I'm not here to solve other people's problems, I have enough on my plate... But Real Madrid has always had players with this kind of inconsistent ball control. Most importantly, the team system cannot collapse. That has always been the challenge.

What was your reaction when Vinicius made that gesture towards Alonso in the Clasico? If it were you, how would you have handled it?

First, I feel sorry for Alonso; I have a good relationship with him. Vinicius was wrong. He was the first to know he made a mistake, and he must show respect to the coach, the club, his teammates, and the fans. But it's in the past now. I don't think this incident will cost Real Madrid an important trophy.

But the subsequent impression was that the players' authority in the locker room overshadowed the coach. Do you agree with this view?

If that were true, there would be no need for a coach. This doesn't reflect reality. Real Madrid players have extremely high professionalism. During our time, no one ever resisted passively. It's normal for players not to want to be substituted. Kroos has made countless such gestures that Vinicius did; Modric expresses himself in his own way; Casemiro too. But this doesn't mean players are above the coach. In the Real Madrid locker room, the coach calls the shots.

Did Real Madrid need Mourinho back then?

Yes. Real Madrid's recent history proves that Mourinho was the most suitable person at that time. He deeply loves Real Madrid and is full of fighting spirit. I saw this experience in my father. Reaching this stage of your career and getting such an opportunity is like a new lease on life. This enthusiasm infects the entire team. I think he was right; he was the right coach at that time.

Have you always followed Mourinho's coaching career?

Of course. I even interviewed Mourinho during my coaching license course. He has always been kind and friendly to me, even when we faced each other as opponents, always speaking positively of me. Like my father, he's already written into football history. Twenty years ago, he won his first Champions League. In the world of football, nothing is given to you for free.

There's no doubt about that.

Sometimes I see myself in him. Like him, my playing career wasn't successful, and I also studied sports education. Mourinho's training methodology when he first started was incredibly innovative, and that must be acknowledged. He changed football in his own way. I'm talking about football itself, not his personal character, which everyone knows. He's a born winner.

What is your father, Ancelotti, recognized for in the world of football?

Without a doubt, looking at all his achievements, he stands at the pinnacle of football. He is a benchmark in this industry, there's no argument about that.

What mark has Real Madrid left on you?

It shaped my coaching career. I initially joined as a fitness coach, then served as assistant coach for four seasons. In Real Madrid's high-pressure environment, time feels stretched. Here, you learn that every game is the most important game. There's no secret. This rigor will be etched into your bones and stay with you for life.

Will the door to Real Madrid be open for your father in the future?

I hope so. He still has four years on his contract with the Brazilian national team, and after that, it's hard to say... But the bond between him and Real Madrid is very special.

What about you, Davide?

It depends on whether I can earn it through my abilities. This doesn't just depend on Real Madrid, but more on me, on how high I can reach in my career. But I'm not thinking about it right now, because I have a grand and beautiful project at Lille.

Have many people asked you if you want to coach Real Madrid in the future?

Too many times. Real Madrid is everyone's dream, and of course, it's my dream too.

Do you know what path you need to take to achieve this goal?

Every coach who leads Real Madrid inherently has a certain stature, which I don't have yet. I know I need to earn it myself. This stature can only be built through victories. Football is a winner-take-all industry. We can talk for three days about tactical concepts and football philosophy, but the most important thing is always winning.

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