Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Bellingham, Vinicius, Carvajal, Ronaldo, Bale, Hazard, Ballon d’Or | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti was the most recent guest in former Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel’s The Obi One podcast.

The Real Madrid coach discussed multiple things including the race for the Ballon d’Or title. He also talked about Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and many other Real Madrid stars of the past.

Ancelotti on Ballon d’Or title

It is no secret that Real Madrid duo Vinicius Jr., Dani Carvajal and Jude Bellingham are among the favourites for the Ballon d’Or title this year.

When asked about the Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti backed Vinicius Junior to win the prestigious trophy this year, ahead of Bellingham, Carvajal and Rodri. “In my opinion, I think Vinicius will win,” he said.

“It’s true that Carvajal did really well, because he won the league, The Champions League and scored, and won the Euro,” he said, acknowledging the defender’s achievements.

“But Vinicius, a talented player, young, good image, won the league, won the Champions League scoring in the final and semi-final. He scored 2 in Munich,” Ancelotti added.

Ancelotti did acknowledge the achievements of Bellingham and Rodri as well. “Jude had a fantastic season. Winning the Champions League, winning the league, and it was a big surprise. The best player of the league season,” he said.

Ancelotti believes Vinicius should win the Ballon d’Or (Photo by KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/AFP via Getty Images)

“Rodri also is a fantastic midfielder, one of the best midfielders in the competition, and consistent,” the Italian added.

Ancelotti on Ronaldo, Bale

During the first of his two terms at Real Madrid, Ancelotti had the fortune of managing Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

When asked about the experience of managing Ronaldo, the Italian answered, “Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo? It was very easy. When you have a player who scores every game, it’s easy.”

The Real Madrid coach heaped praise on Gareth Bale as well, stating, “Gareth Bale is one of the best players I have trained. He’s considered a legend here.”

Talking about Real Madrid’s team-building since Ronaldo’s departure, Ancelotti hailed the management, citing a series of excellent purchases in the market.

“We’ve been able to build a fantastic squad. When Ronaldo left in 2018, year by year, they were able to buy fantastic young players. Vinicius, Rodrygo and Valverde, then Camavinga and Tchouameni, then Bellingham and Arda Guler and now Mbappe,” he said.

However, one of Real Madrid’s mishaps during this period saw them sign Eden Hazard, who was unable to make any real impact.

Talking about Hazard’s downfall at Real Madrid, Ancelotti said, “Eden Hazard is a fantastic guy, his problem was injuries of course, but he also had difficulty being in competition.”

“You have to train with intensity in training when you are not playing. He had difficulties to compete, to fight, and to play,” he revealed.

Ancelotti also had a quick rapid fire with Obi Mikel, who expressed how the current Real Madrid setup is ‘scary’.

“Scary, huh? We have to change the rules. Put more than 11 players on the pitch,” Ancelotti responded.

The Italian also said, “Hey, I’m a good tactician. Don’t forget! I’m a good tactician,” when Obi Mikel praised his man-management skills.