5 min read UEFA Champions League

The proteges of Carlo Ancelotti: most successful coaches to work under Don Carlo

The proteges of Carlo Ancelotti: most successful coaches to work under Don Carlo
The proteges of Carlo Ancelotti: most successful coaches to work under Don Carlo

Carlo Ancelotti, 64, is a football managerial legend and one of the most successful coaches to ever brace the game with four Champions League titles.

His proteges have thrived in various leagues and competitions worldwide.

The article highlights the top managers who have learned from Ancelotti, detailing their tenure together and subsequent achievements.

Carlo Ancelotti is revered not only for his illustrious career but also for his mentorship of future managerial talents.

As one of the most successful football managers, Ancelotti’s influence extends beyond his trophies and accolades.

Carlo Ancelotti, or Don Carlo as he is affectionately known in Spain, has won more Champions League titles than any other manager.

Ancelotti is called Don Carlo, or sometimes Maestro, by his Real Madrid players as a sign of respect and suaveness of the Italian manager, a nickname that he relishes.

This article explores the top managers who have flourished under his leadership, examining Don Carlo's influence on their careers, playing style, and the successes they have achieved in their own managerial careers.

Who are the top managers and coaches influenced by Carlo Ancelotti?

9. Clarence Seedorf

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: AC Milan (2002-2009)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Seedorf benefited from Ancelotti’s tactical versatility and leadership during their time together at AC Milan. Ancelotti’s strategic mindset and ability to manage diverse talents played a crucial role in Seedorf’s development.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Deportivo La Coruña: Helped the team avoid relegation in a challenging La Liga season.
  • Cameroon National Team: Improved team performance and dynamics.
  • Tactical Approach: Seedorf’s managerial style emphasises versatility and adaptability, reflecting Ancelotti’s influence.

8. Filippo Inzaghi

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: AC Milan (2001-2009)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Ancelotti’s ability to nurture attacking talents and his emphasis on strategic positioning greatly influenced Inzaghi. His managerial approach mirrors Ancelotti’s meticulous planning and offensive strategies.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Benevento: Serie B title (2019-2020), leading to promotion to Serie A.
  • Tactical Approach: Inzaghi’s focus on sharp attacking play and efficient forward movements reflects his time under Ancelotti.

7. Andrea Pirlo

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: AC Milan (2001-2009)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Ancelotti's guidance during their time at AC Milan helped shape Pirlo’s understanding of the game, particularly his deep-lying playmaker role. Ancelotti’s tactical innovations and man-management skills left a lasting impression on Pirlo.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Juventus: Italian Super Cup (2020), Coppa Italia (2020-2021).
  • Tactical Approach: Pirlo’s emphasis on ball control and strategic playmaking reflects Ancelotti’s influence.

6. Gennaro Gattuso

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: AC Milan (2001-2009)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Under Ancelotti, Gattuso developed a fierce understanding of tactical discipline and the importance of team cohesion. Ancelotti’s balanced approach to attack and defence resonated with Gattuso’s own style.

Successes as a Manager:

  • AC Milan: Stabilised the team during a turbulent period.
  • Napoli: Coppa Italia (2019-2020).
  • Tactical Approach: Gattuso’s teams are known for their tactical discipline and fighting spirit, reminiscent of Ancelotti’s philosophy.

5. David Ancelotti

When Did They Work Together?

  • Assistant Coach to Ancelotti: Paris Saint-Germain (2011-2013), Real Madrid (2013-2015, 2021-present), Bayern Munich (2016-2017), Napoli (2018-2019), Everton (2019-2021)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him? David Ancelotti, Carlo's son, has worked alongside his father at various top clubs, absorbing his tactical philosophies and man-management skills. Carlo’s mentorship has provided David with a comprehensive understanding of high-level football management.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Real Madrid (Assistant): UEFA Champions League (2022), La Liga title (2021-2022).
  • Tactical Approach: David Ancelotti’s approach reflects Carlo’s balance of tactical flexibility and player management, focusing on strategic depth and adaptability.

4. Mauricio Pochettino

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: Paris Saint-Germain (2001)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Although their time together was brief, Ancelotti’s calm management style and strategic outlook left an impression on Pochettino. Ancelotti’s ability to handle pressure and his emphasis on player development resonated with Pochettino.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Tottenham Hotspur: UEFA Champions League Finalist (2018-2019).
  • Paris Saint-Germain: Ligue 1 title (2021-2022), French Cup (2021), French Super Cup (2021).
  • Tactical Approach: Pochettino’s emphasis on youth development and attacking football reflects the Ancelotti ethos.

3. Xabi Alonso

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: Real Madrid (2013-2014)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Under Ancelotti at Real Madrid, Alonso refined his understanding of midfield dynamics and game management. Ancelotti’s strategic insights and emphasis on team cohesion deeply influenced Alonso.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Real Sociedad B: Promoted the team to Segunda División.
  • Bayer Leverkusen: Bundesliga title (2023-24) and DFB-Pokal (2023-24)
  • Tactical Approach: Alonso’s focus on controlling the midfield and tactical intelligence is a testament to Ancelotti’s mentorship.

2. Didier Deschamps

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: Juventus (1999-2001)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Deschamps’ time under Ancelotti at Juventus helped him appreciate the importance of tactical flexibility and the necessity of a balanced team. Ancelotti's ability to manage high-profile players and his tactical acumen left a significant impact on Deschamps.

Successes as a Manager:

  • France National Team: FIFA World Cup (2018), UEFA Nations League (2021).
  • Tactical Approach: Deschamps’ pragmatic approach and focus on team unity are hallmarks of Ancelotti’s influence.

1. Zinedine Zidane

When Did They Work Together?

  • Player under Ancelotti: Real Madrid (2013-2014)
  • Assistant Coach to Ancelotti: Real Madrid (2013-2014)

How Did Ancelotti Influence Him?
Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid saw Zidane transition from an advisor to an assistant coach, providing him with invaluable insights into top-level management. Ancelotti’s calm demeanour and strategic acumen profoundly impacted Zidane, shaping his approach to management.

Successes as a Manager:

  • Real Madrid: Three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), La Liga title (2016-2017), and multiple domestic cups.
  • Tactical Approach: Zidane’s flexible tactics and emphasis on player morale can be traced back to his time with Ancelotti.

Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy as a mentor is evident in the careers of these successful managers. Through his guidance, they have absorbed crucial aspects of football management, from tactical versatility to man-management. As these proteges continue to thrive, Ancelotti’s influence on the footballing world remains indelible, marking him not just as a legendary manager but as a pivotal figure in shaping the next generation of football leaders.

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