Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti made a surprising admission upon his return to Bayern Munich – he had forgotten how to speak German. In his only attempt to speak the language, he uttered, “Ich habe vergessen Deutsch,” which translates to “I have forgotten German.” This surprising revelation came just before the two teams were set to meet in the first leg of their Champions League semifinal.
Ancelotti previously coached Bayern Munich for a little over a year during the 2016-17 season, where he managed to clinch the Bundesliga title. However, despite this triumph, it was not enough to meet the high ambitions of the Bavarian powerhouse. The club had claimed the previous four Bundesliga titles before Ancelotti’s arrival and managed to secure six more consecutive championships after his departure. The disappointing start to the 2017-18 season, culminating in a 3-0 loss to Paris Saint-Germain, led to his eventual ousting from the club.
The Italian coach’s tenure at Bayern Munich was marred by early exits in both the Champions League and the German Cup. The failure to progress further in these competitions left Bayern with only the Bundesliga title to show for the season. This lone domestic title did not satisfy the club’s president at the time, Uli Hoeneß, who expressed disappointment at the lack of silverware.
Despite the disappointments and his premature exit from Bayern Munich, Ancelotti reflected on his time at the club with fondness. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity to coach such a prestigious club and reminisced about the positive experiences he had during his stint in Munich. His departure from Bayern Munich in September marked the end of a chapter in his coaching career, albeit one tarnished by the failures in Europe.
Ancelotti’s coaching career has seen him achieve success at top clubs across Europe, including Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea, PSG, and Bayern Munich. His resume boasts an impressive collection of domestic honors and Champions League titles, with his most recent triumph coming in 2022 with Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s ability to win titles consistently has earned him praise from players and coaches alike, with Bayern Munich coach Thomas Tuchel commending his impact on the sport.
A Legacy of Success
Throughout his coaching career, Carlo Ancelotti has established himself as one of the most successful and respected figures in European football. Despite the setbacks and challenges he faced at Bayern Munich, his overall track record speaks for itself. Ancelotti’s ability to navigate the highs and lows of football management while maintaining a sense of humility has endeared him to players, coaches, and fans alike. As he continues to chase success both domestically and in Europe, Ancelotti’s legacy in the sport is already firmly established.