Sacchi reveals what many coaches ‘don’t understand’ about Ancelotti and Guardiola | OneFootball

Legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi praises his ‘friends’ Carlo Ancelotti and Guardiola ahead of tonight’s Champions League meeting between Real Madrid and Manchester City and feels many coaches ‘don’t understand’ the Italian and Spanish coaches.

Real Madrid and Manchester City meet in the Champions League quarter-finals first leg at the Bernabeu tonight, and ex-Italy and Milan coach Sarri is certainly looking forward to kick-off.

“It’s the best game European football has to offer, and in this match, there are Ancelotti and Guardiola’s styles,” the 78-year-old wrote in his Gazzetta dello Sport column on Tuesday.

“I won’t make a prediction; I only hope City and Real will prioritise the fans’ amusement.

Real Madrid have been dealing with injuries and suspensions this season, but Ancelotti “was never discouraged,” noted Sacchi.

“It’s not in his mentality. He has worked to build a group that has become stronger and stronger. It wasn’t easy, but Ancelotti knows every secret of football, and he’s been able to develop the talents that the club gave him.

“Honestly, I think Man City are slightly superior, but this doesn’t mean they will qualify, as details will be crucial,” continued the ex-coach.

“I am sure about one thing. We are talking about two strategists who don’t speculate on the result or only think about stopping the opponent.

“Ancelotti and Guardiola are the best coaches, and not only do their results speak for themselves, but also the way they achieved them. Winning is vital, but playing well makes it easier to win.

“It sounds like a cliché, but many coaches still don’t understand it. A suggestion to those who love football: Don’t miss this game because it won’t lack beauty, which is the target everyone should aim for.”

There are no Serie A representatives among the top eight Champions League clubs this season, but Ancelotti is among the three Italians who can still lift the cup with big ears this term.

Ancelotti has won the Champions League four times as a manager, more than any other coach. The first two were with Milan in 2003 and 2007. On the other hand, Guardiola has won the most important European club trophy three times, twice with Barcelona and once with Man City.