Carlo Ancelotti foresees Real Madrid's toughest challenge yet: Napoli clash
Real Madrid's Carlo Ancelotti anticipates a tough test for his squad as they set their sights on the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium for a UEFA Champions League group stage encounter against Napoli.
Carlo Ancelotti.While both teams boast three points each after their respective victories, Ancelotti's keen insights have painted Napoli as the most daunting adversary in the group.
Ancelotti, who once guided Napoli through a turbulent 19-month stint between 2018 and 2019, returned to the helm of Real Madrid after a brief stint with Everton, securing six illustrious trophies during his second tenure.
Expressing his respect for Napoli's prowess, Ancelotti acknowledged, "Napoli is one of the best teams in Italy. They've retained their structure under new coach Rudi Garcia, displaying a high level of skill, individual talent, and an electrifying atmosphere that drives them forward."
The revered manager's sentiments were steeped in nostalgia, as he reflected on his past experiences, saying, "It's a return to the past. I had positive moments there, in a marvellous city. Some good moments, some less good. It's the most difficult game in the group."
Ancelotti sidestepped inquiries about his rapport with Napoli's owner, Aurelio De Laurentiis, who had previously hinted at strained relations during Ancelotti's tenure. Ancelotti diplomatically stated, "I have a very good relationship with everyone. I've always said that when there's no 'feeling' between a club and a coach, it's best to part ways. It was the right decision for Napoli and for me too. Now I'm back with the best club in the world."
While Real Madrid's young sensation, Jude Bellingham, stole the spotlight with his match-winning performance against Union Berlin, Ancelotti praised the prodigious talent. "World-class players, players who make their mark on a team, have the characteristics that Jude has," Ancelotti remarked. "Real Madrid is another step up, and he's dealt with it incredibly well. He's a good teammate, he's got a good head on his shoulders. For sure, he could be a captain who defines an era at Real Madrid."
However, Bellingham's ascent has seen the experienced Luka Modric's playing time dwindle, with the Croatian maestro relegated to the bench in recent outings. Ancelotti acknowledged the situation, stating, "It's surprising that Modric isn't having the same role as he's had in the past. He played the first Champions League game, he played the [Madrid] derby. It's a decision. One day it's Modric, another day it could be [Toni] Kroos, it could be [Aurelien] Tchouameni, [Eduardo] Camavinga. In every news conference, there's a question like this, and there isn't much to explain. We have seven midfielders, and we play with four."
With Ancelotti's strategic acumen and Real Madrid's rich footballing history, the clash against Napoli promises to be an enthralling spectacle. Ancelotti's reunion with Napoli, a team he once steered, adds a layer of intrigue to an already compelling narrative.