CARLO ANCELOTTI has revealed he rejected the chance to take up a huge managerial role because it seemed “like a part-time job”.
The Italian coach, 65, is hoping to mastermind a stunning comeback from 3-0 down for Real Madrid against Arsenal on Wednesday, although preparations have been anything but smooth.
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Ancelotti has been with the club since 2021, but he has now opened up on how he turned down the Italian national team gig in 2018, before they ultimately appointed Roberto Mancini.
Speaking to Swiss broadcaster RSI, he said he rejected the role because he feared it would make him “lose a bit of passion”.
He explained: “I said no because I didn’t feel like it.
“I really like being on the pitch daily to prepare training sessions, and the national team seemed like a part-time job that would make me lose a bit of my passion.
“That’s the only reason.”
Ancelotti’s contract with the Spanish giants runs until 2026.
However, the club face a mountain climb to defend their Champions League crown and are trailing Barcelona in La Liga by four points.
They also play their arch-rivals in the Copa del Rey final later this month, and if they fail to overcome Barcelona in at least one of the domestic competitions, they could be left trophyless this season.
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If that happens, ruthless club bosses may not waste any time in relieving him of his duties as manager despite his stellar record during his second spell in Madrid.
Journalist Fabrizio Romano has claimed Real Madrid will make a move for Bayer Leverkusen‘s Xabi Alonso if Ancelotti leaves.
Ancelotti said he would discuss his future with the club at the end of the season, telling reporters: “I shouldn’t talk about things about my future, because the contract is quite clear.
“Whatever it is, it will be discussed at the end of the season. The club always supports me, especially in difficult moments.”
Since returning to manage Los Blancos, Ancelotti has won 11 titles, including two Champions Leagues, two league titles, the Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.
The former AC Milan and Chelsea manager joined the club from Everton, and revealed he initiated contact over a return.
He added: “Actually, I was the one who called them.
“The year before, I had reached out to see if they had any players available, and we ended up signing James Rodriguez.
“I knew they were looking for a coach the following year.
“I spoke to the director and said they needed to get a good one.”
Ancelotti also admitted that before joining the Toffees his dream was to manage Liverpool, but after experiencing the Merseysiders’ rivalry first hand he was now “absolutely” an Everton fan.
He said: “My dream was to coach Liverpool, but then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I’m absolutely an Everton fan.
“I really liked the environment, because there is a spectacular passion for colours.
“You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today excels in the Premier League.”
