Ancelotti on why becoming Milan boss was easy and why leaving for Chelsea was ‘not difficult’

By Oliver Fisher -

Former AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti was interviewed by Sky Sports and spoke about his experience with the Rossoneri.

Ancelotti played for the Rossoneri from 1987 to 1992 and then was manager from 2001 to 2009, winning 15 major honours at the club across both periods.

There were actually rumours back in November claiming that Milan director Paolo Maldini was keen on bringing Ancelotti back for another spell as manager.

However, that never materialised and now the Italian is in charge of Premier League side Everton, but he is frequently asked about the club closest to his heart in Milan.

Speaking on his movement from player to head coach of the Rossoneri, Ancelotti explained (via MilanNews): “First of all, the fact that I went to coach Milan after playing it made it easier for me.

“I knew the club structures, some players because they were my teammates such as Maldini, Albertini, Costacurta and this all it helped me build a good cycle at Milan. I felt really good because the support I had was really strong. I felt like at home, like at home.”

Ancelotti was of course the head coach for Milan’s Champions League triumph in 2002-03. The competition really could not have gone better for the Rossoneri that season as they saw off Inter in the semi-finals over two legs thanks to Andriy Shevchenko’s goal before facing another fierce rival in Juventus at Old Trafford.

With the score 0-0 after 120 minutes Shevchenko was again decisive, netting the winning penalty after a couple of crucial saves from Dida.

On the final, Carlo added: “The final against Juventus was a good rematch for me, but not revenge. I think that victory is really important because it was my first trophy and for this, really significant.”

On his 2009 farewell: “It was the right decision for both sides. It was not difficult because after eight years I needed to change and maybe the club also needs to change, so it was a common decision.

“It was time just to decide, I wanted a new experience away from Italy and I had the opportunity to go to Chelsea. It was a right choice, not difficult to take.”

Tags AC Milan Carlo Ancelotti
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