Carlo Ancelotti talks about his future to Guti after Real Madrid victory over Valladolid

“Do I look worried?” is surely now Carlo Ancelotti’s version of the classic Robert De Niro line: “Are you talking to me?” from the film Taxi Driver. Carlo responded in the coolest of fashions when asked by former Real Madrid midfielder Guti whether or not he’s going to leave the club to manage the Brazil National Team, something that has been pumped out of every media channel on the planet over the past week. Real Madrid crushed Valladolid 6-0 and the cool-as-you-like coach stepped out in front of the press after what has been an eventful week.

“I love Madrid as much as you do”, he continued. Guti smiled, as did the rest of the TV crew that surrounded the ex-footballer. And not because they wanted Carlo to stay, but because he ducked under the question like a pro boxer and gave a perfect response on Gut’s chin. All with a smile, as Carlo tends to do.

Ancelotti rides the punches like no other

Nobody handles interviews quite like Ancelotti. If he were a boxer, the famous video of Muhammed Ali dodging 21 punches in ten seconds before shaking his hips at Michael Dokes would be stuck in a series of screenshots on his office wall. Carlo struts out of every interview room unscathed, not a single bloody nose or black eye, despite the punching power of the press, especially in Spain.

Even crucial tactical changes that completely flip the game upside down are dealt with cool, sincere explanations: “we started with a 4-4-2 with Rodrygo and Benzema up top”, Carlo said, “but the centre-backs were good in the press, so I saw the possibility of opening up Rodrygo and giving more freedom to Asensio. From then on things were easier.” The bell dings, onto the next round.

‘Eden has trained well this week’

Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the importance of the victory, saying that it was “key” and “at the beginning, we suffered and they had chances, but when we went 1-0 up things were easier. The transitions were spectacular and Karim was at his best. Everything went well.”

“What do you think of the whistles to Hazard?”, said the reporter, trying to land a punch that actually put Ancelotti into a corner. Nope.

“I heard them, yes. Eden has trained well this break. He has played very little, but he’s done well and got an assist. He’s training well, he can have chances to play.” 21 punches, all dodged. Don’t get in the ring against Carletto.