Former Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti says he loved every minute of his experience managing the club but is now looking forward to a new challenge.
The Italian was in charge of the Santiago Bernabeu side for two years and lead the clubs to four trophies – the Champions League, Copa del Rey, European Super Cup and World Club Cup.
But he was sacked at the end of last season for failing to land the major honours as Real has to sit back and watch Barcelona sweep the board.
After taking a year out from the game, Ancelotti will return to management when he takes over Bayern Munich in the summer.
Speaking at an award ceremony in Madrid on Monday, Ancelotti said: “I was lucky enough to coach a wonderful Real Madrid side and this makes me feel very happy about what we experienced. Living here in Madrid was fantastic, but one door closes while another opens. That’s the life of a coach.”
He added: “When I signed my contract I knew I’d have to leave one day but now a new stage is starting and I don’t know when it’ll end.”
The former boss also discussed Zinedine Zidane’s appointment as manager and says his inexperience could actually help him.
He commented: “The best thing you can say about Zidane is that he doesn’t have experience, just like when I started coaching or playing. Zidane has everything you need to be a great coach. He has the ability, charisma, personality and knows football inside-out. Zidane has the profile of a Real Madrid coach. A coach succeeds by working hard to ensure his players give their all.”
