"I consider myself fortunate" - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti reflects on reaching historic accomplishment in charge of Los Bancos

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has shared his thoughts on reaching a historic milestone as head coach of the Spanish giants. The Italian tactician led his side to win the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in Qatar on Wednesday, becoming the most decorated coach in Los Blancos' history.

Ancelotti equaled the record of 14 titles set by Miguel Munoz between 1959 and 1974 when he won the UEFA Super Cup in August. He then eclipsed the record when his side claimed a convincing 3-0 win over Mexican outfit Pachuca at the Lusail Stadium in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup final.

In an interview with RMTV after the side's return from Qatar, the former Chelsea and Everton coach stated that he feels honored to be in charge of the club. He also praised the players for their quality and shared that winning with Real Madrid is easier than it is elsewhere. Ancelotti said:

“It is an honor and a pleasure to have been able to achieve this success. I have to share it with the club, first because it gave me the opportunity to return, and second because it has allowed me to coach players of a very high technical level. That has been the key. I consider myself fortunate to have the opportunity to coach again at the world’s greatest club. Winning titles is not so easy, but at Real Madrid, it is easier than at other teams.”

Carlo Ancelotti has been at Real Madrid since 2021, having previously been in charge for two years between 2013 and 2015. The veteran tactician holds the record for the most UEFA Champions League titles won (five) and is the only coach to win league titles in all of Europe's top five leagues.

Ancelotti enjoyed a hugely successful 2024 on an individual and team level, winning five trophies with Real Madrid. He also won the 2024 Men's Coach of the Year at the Ballon d'Or gala and FIFA's The Best Men's Coach of the Year.

Real Madrid boss declares Mbappe's adaptation period over

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has declared that star forward Kylian Mbappe's period for adapting to the club is over. The Frenchman struggled in the first months following his Bosman move from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.

Ancelotti has seen Mbappe score in both of the finals he has featured in for Los Blancos this season despite his 'poor' form. The coach spoke to the press ahead of facing Sevilla, declaring that the 26-year-old is now set to produce his best football. He said (via Madrid Universal):

"I think this adaptation period is over, now he's shown a good version of himself, he can still improve, but in the last games, he's been good, he's over the little injury he had. He's more motivated, more excited, happy to be here. His (adaptation) period, which he obviously needed, because everyone needs it, is over."

Kylian Mbappe has had a decent season thus far for Real Madrid, scoring 13 times in 23 appearances for the club. However, he has struggled in a number of games, as opposed to how dominant he used to be during his time with PSG.