Carlo Ancelotti gave an interview for UEFA recently, where he discussed a lot of things ranging from the arrival of Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid to what he did during his summer break. Speaking about the former, Ancelotti said: “First of all, he is going to bring his quality as well as his composure, attitude and dedication. He is going to have to adapt for this team as everyone has had to. We are very happy he is here because he has great qualities and, I’m sure, given his personality, he will adjust quickly. Everybody at Real Madrid is very happy he is here: the fans, the club, the players, the team-mates, the coach. We are all very happy he is here. We’re sure he’ll do very well.”
Ancelotti on Atalanta, how difficult the match will be
“It’s going to be tough as always because it’s the beginning of the season. But we are going there with confidence and conviction, while bearing in mind all the challenges. I believe Atalanta deserve to be there because they played an amazing Europa League campaign, knocking out top teams like Liverpool. They were able to win those kinds of games easily, even the final. So, we respect this team a lot. But we hope to be on our best form.
I don’t think anyone expected [Atalants beating Leverkusen comfortably]. As I said, Atalanta had an amazing season. They’re a very dangerous team that plays in a special and unique way. Bayer Leverkusen weren’t able to play in the way they were used to playing, because of the huge effort the Atalanta players put in.”
Ancelotti on working with and helping young talents like Güler and Endrick
“I really enjoy [it] because they learn very quickly. They pay attention to suggestions and instructions. They want to grow and improve. It’s funny that Vinícius, Rodrygo, Bellingham and Camavinga are no longer considered young players. We have a young team with a great future. It will be up to them and their ability to bind together as a team and unite and build a great squad because, ultimately, the winner is always the squad, the team.”
Ancelotti on Gaspareni and his relationship with him
“We have a great relationship. We are friends. Our relationship started at Juventus. [Atalanta are] consistently playing in Europe thanks to Gasperini and, since he arrived, they’re doing very well in Italy too. Some excellent and important players have emerged from the team. So, he has done an amazing job, and he continues to do so.”
Ancelotti on what he did during his summer break
“I switched off completely, but I watched all the games [of EURO 2024 and Copa América]. Football is a passion of mine. it’s fun. I was perfectly able to switch off. I had 40 days of holiday. It was great. I was in beautiful places, and I watched football, which I enjoy. It’s what I enjoy most.”
