Carlo Ancelotti is among the best coaches of all time, but Alexandre Pato does not feel like his is among them. Instead, he is the best coach of all time in his eyes.
There are many great managers and coaches that can be put in the bracket of being the best ever, especially when looking at it from a Milanese viewpoint. However, it is difficult to suggest anyone in the modern era ranks above Ancelotti.
The Italian has won five Champions Leagues as a manager and countless league titles. Players love him, as do fans of the sport, even rivals. His legacy is clear and one of his former students has today given more praise about him.
Pato speaks about Ancelotti’s influence
Pato was just 17 when he arrived at the gates of Milanello, and he told the story of how Ancelotti welcomed him to the club and to the team. Speaking to CBS Golazo, via Football Italia, he told all.
“When I came to Milan, I went inside the locker room just by myself. I saw the photos and the names around the locker room. I said ‘wow’.
“In front of me, I have Kaka, Seedorf, Pirlo, Gattuso is here, and Maldini. Ronaldo, too. I say ‘wow’. I need to play it cool. It was amazing.
“He gave me confidence. The name of his dog is Pato. We were that close. I feel like Ancelotti is more than just a coach; he’s a friend, he’s a father.
“When I was at Milan, I was 17 years old. So when I arrived there, he came to the gate of Milanello, he took my hand and said ‘okay, go inside, I want to introduce you to the other players’. So he called every single player and said ‘guys, this is Pato’, they said ‘hi Pato, good luck and we are here for you’.
“That’s why I think Ancelotti is more than a coach; he’s a gentleman and the best coach ever.”
