The current Real Madrid manager has been making headlines for the past few weeks. Criticised and urged by many Madrilenians to reconsider his choices, Carlo Ancelotti is even being questioned regarding his technical abilities. So, what can be said about the qualities and the highest coaching qualification of the 65-year-old Italian?

Regarded as the best coach in Real Madrid’s history by several observers due to his record in terms of trophies won, Carlo Ancelotti does not enjoy unanimous support. After two initial seasons at the helm of the Madrid squad (2013-2015, 89 wins, 14 draws, 16 losses), the former midfielder returned in 2021. Despite some turbulent periods, the native of Reggiolo, Italy, has held his position firmly, primarily due to his ability to manage the dressing room of the world’s greatest club and the unexpected results he has achieved.

However, since the start of the 2024-2025 season (ongoing), criticism has been mounting against the 65-year-old coach.

Is Ancelotti really that good?

Indeed, while a fiery and unstoppable Real Madrid team was expected, especially following Kylian Mbappé’s arrival in an already talent-packed squad, the reality has been quite different. In all the big matches played by Florentino Pérez’s club this season, the performances have been uninspiring, and the results humiliating. Twice in three months, against FC Barcelona, the Madridistas suffered crushing defeats, most recently missing out on winning the Spanish Super Cup—the first trophy of 2025.

Lacking a clear playing style, the Madrid squad relies on individual brilliance from key players like Vinicius, Bellingham, or Mbappé. Following injuries to key defensive players, the former AC Milan manager has been patching up the defence as best as he can. Despite the talents in the reserve team, Carlo Ancelotti prefers to deploy midfielders as defenders or to rely on players who no longer inspire confidence. Amidst mounting criticism of his decisions, he has refused to alter his plans, as he stated in his latest press conference. Given the circumstances, many are questioning the coach’s skills and his actual qualifications.

Carlo Ancelotti’s highest coaching qualification

After retiring as a footballer in 1992, Carletto immediately embarked on his coaching journey, becoming one of Arrigo Sacchi’s assistants, one of the most renowned Italian tacticians of his time. Alongside the former Italy national team manager, Ancelotti was part of the squad’s journey to the 1994 World Cup in the USA, which ended in a penalty shootout defeat to Brazil in the final.

Following this World Cup, the current Real Madrid manager took charge of Reggiana in Serie B in 1995. Then, in 1996, Carlo managed Parma for two seasons (42 wins, 27 draws, 18 losses) and Juventus from 1999 to 2001 (63 wins, 33 draws, 18 losses). Building on his success with the Old Lady of Italian football, Ancelotti continued his rise, managing AC Milan for eight seasons (239 wins, 98 draws, 83 losses), Chelsea (68 wins, 17 draws, 24 losses), PSG, and Bayern Munich.

Ancelotti: “I don’t think I’m the best, nor am I the dumbest guy in the world.” pic.twitter.com/FWq0iCpNZq

— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) January 15, 2025

During this time, to cement his reputation, Carlo Ancelotti earned the UEFA Pro Licence, the highest level of qualification for coaches in Europe. With this certification, which all top managers currently possess, the Real Madrid boss joined the exclusive circle of the best coaches in modern football. Furthermore, this UEFA Pro Licence allows Ancelotti to manage any team in the world. In other words, he holds the necessary qualifications to perform at the highest level.

What is Carlo Ancelotti’s problem with Real Madrid?

Despite having the required certifications, managers often find themselves in challenging situations with their teams. For instance, Pep Guardiola faced difficulties with Manchester City at the end of 2024. Similarly, Real Madrid has been far from reassuring in recent weeks. Alternating between his usual 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2 system that he also favours, Carlo Ancelotti has yet to find the right setup to make the Madrid squad perform. Currently, with a reduced squad, the Madrid staff is forced to improvise to contain the damage, particularly in defence.

A manager of the old school, as he is often described, Ancelotti does not fully trust the young players in his squad to showcase their talents, unlike Barça, for example. With Florentino Pérez refusing to spend heavily mid-season to strengthen the team, Real Madrid will have to patch things up to avoid a disastrous season. It must be said: if the season ends on a poor note, the young manager Xabi Alonso could take over the team and try to bring fresh ideas.