Image via Doha Stadium Plus Qatar (Wikimedia Commons)
Real Madrid have named Carlo Ancelotti as their new manager on a three-year deal, after several weeks of anticipation.
The Italian, 54, leaves Paris Saint-Germain after two seasons, which included a Ligue 1 title win in the most recent. He is set to be replaced at PSG by former France national team manager Laurent Blanc, who has signed a two-year deal.
Ancelotti takes over weeks after Jose Mourinho left Madrid to return to his beloved Chelsea. For Madrid fans, it is a relief to get such a high profile manager in quickly and begin a fresh start after a season of disruption and controversy. He was believed to have asked PSG to leave in May after leading the club to their first French league title since 1994.
As a two-time Champions League winner as a manager, Ancelotti really does fit the job at Madrid. Following Mourinho’s departure, there was always a fear in Madrid that the new man wouldn’t be the high standard of a coach that is expected at the Santiago Bernabeu, but Ancelotti’s managerial success is extremely impressive.
Ancelotti has now managed seven different clubs since 1995, with periods at AC Milan and Chelsea the most notable. His eight season spell in Milan included two Champions League wins, a FIFA World Club Cup and a Serie A title among various other successes. His time at Chelsea was cut short by owner Roman Abramovich but in a harsh manner, having won both the Premier League and FA Cup the previous season.
We all know that Madrid have the ability to spend in large amounts to help bring in talents to give them the edge. Ancelotti has full experience of working under those kind of conditions and the high demands that Madrid fans expect, having managed some of the top clubs in Europe over the past decade.
Stowe Gregory is an English featured Soccer and Sports writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him or tweet on Twitter @stowegregory. Or add to circles on Google +
