Ancelotti reacts to compliment from Paolo Maldini: “I’m not a dictator”

Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the best compliment he has ever been given came from Paolo Maldini, who he knew from his time with AC Milan.

Ancelotti was Milan manager from 2001 to 2009, and he won eight trophies in that spell including the Champions League twice. He also had a decorated spell as a player too, winning seven trophies including two European Cups. Across both experienced, he had Maldini.

The coach gave a long interview to the French newspaper L’Equipe in which he spoke about his new experience as Brazil coach but was also asked about something Maldini said. In his book, the defender stated: “With Carlo I enjoyed playing football, but I also enjoyed living.”

Is that the best compliment anyone’s ever given you?

“If it’s Maldini saying it, yes. I think that ultimately all the players I’ve coached have benefited from and appreciated my way of working. Because my management style is flexible. I’m not a dictator,” he said (via MilanPress).

“I’m a normal person who likes to live in a calm atmosphere. You get the best out of others when you’re calm.”

Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images

Ancelotti has so far had four matches as Brazil coach, winning two, drawing one and losing the most recent match against Bolivia. It represents a new experience for Ancelotti, after being at Real Madrid for such a long time.

Is it easy not being on the training field every day?

“For me, yes. It’s a different pace. I need to immerse myself in the country’s culture, which is why I moved to Rio. Here I found a very well-organised Federation. From the CBF president to the director.

“Everyone is fantastic and enthusiastic. We work in an excellent atmosphere, with seriousness. I came with my assistants, but I didn’t need anything else. The structure is perfect.”