Ancelotti's son David Ancelotti has coached the Brazilian team Botafogo for a month. He recently talked about the pressure this surname brought to him in an interview. How are the new character adapting? "Since I have chosen this job, I mus...
Ancelotti's son David Ancelotti has coached the Brazilian team Botafogo for a month. He recently talked about the pressure this surname brought to him in an interview. How are the new character adapting?
"Since I have chosen this job, I must do my best to complete it now. Botafogo's management, staff, players and fans have all given me a lot of help. Being a head coach requires a lot of energy: you have to take control of everything, formulate guidelines, solve problems, and finally consider placing troops."
Why do you come out to coach independently?
"I want to challenge myself. I am 36 years old. I think it's natural to try this experience. I feel like I'm ready, so I took this step bravely. Moreover, I also brought a lesson my father taught me, which will play a huge role in my journey."
Does the surname Ancelotti bring a great burden?
"As a coach, the name is really heavy. I can't deny that, for Daniel, the surname Maldini is equally heavy, especially after Paul became a legend. And for Paul, it must be difficult to start his own career after Cesare... It's normal. I know I'll be judged, especially at the beginning, because I was called 'Son of Carlo'. I also understand that it's not easy to overcome problems and prejudice, but I know that there is only one way to learn to swim, that is, jump into the sea, try to wave your arms and legs, which is exactly what I'm trying to do."
Did your father give any advice?
"He is my number one fan. He is very concerned about my game. He will ask me questions and listen, but always in a very cautious way. He will not intervene strongly, but let me go my own way. He will only give me some advice when I ask him."
What is Brazilian football like?
"This is something that can only be truly understood by experience. The level of fanaticism about football here is something that we Europeans can't imagine. People here talk about football 24 hours a day, and football is the center of their lives. If Botafogo loses, the fans will cry. Can you understand this sense of responsibility? I coach the teams that Gallincha, Nilton Santos, Didi, Zagallo and Jaircinho used to play, and they are all legends."
How were you accepted?
"The fans here are very enthusiastic about me, and so are the clubs. I don't feel any distrust, only natural curiosity. The most important thing is the results. If you do well, you are a genius. If you do not do well, people will criticize you. This is the same everywhere, and Brazil is no exception."
What is your ideal football style?
"I don't have a specific style. Last season, I really liked Paris, where Louis Enrique coached, it was a team that worked closely together and performed well in defense and offense. My goal was to create a unique style of game for Bottafogo, but the performance of the players was the decisive factor."
Who do you want to bring with you the most?
"I'm sorry, I'm a retired genius: Tony Cross. Among the players I have worked with, he is my favorite."
Will I still work with my father during the World Cup?
"If he still needs me... it is a great opportunity to follow Brazil to the World Cup. He is passionate and devoted, and I will support him with all his strength."
Have you learned anything from your father?
"Everything I know comes from his words and deeds, he is my role model, and I can't deny that. But I don't want to be a copy of him. I have my own ideas, and sometimes we argue about tactical issues, but this happens often in close cooperation. I like proactive, direct, and well-organized styles. I have done a lot of research over the years, not only learning my father's methods, but also studying the tactics of Guardiola, Klopp and other great coaches. In addition, when I feel confused, I will watch videos of the game when Saki coached Milan, and I was shocked. That team did what they should do today 35 years ago: high-pressure pressing, side-slide, extremely aggressiveness and systematic offside. It's amazing."
What is your working method?
"A word summary: communication. I know how important it is to communicate and listen with players. This is the way to build a winning team. I think I am a calm coach and don't like to scold loudly."
Did my father teach you?
"No, I think so from the bottom of my heart. This is how we Ancelotti family. Sometimes it is more important to have a conversation with a player in poor form than to get him on the court to run. Common sense is a basic principle."
