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Carlo Ancelotti says he feels “lucky” to coach Real Madrid, and claimed that former Los Blancos boss Jose Mourinho can make history at Roma.
Ancelotti’s Madrid side clinched a dramatic 3-2 win over Sevilla on Sunday to move 15 points clear at the top of LaLiga, and seem all but certain to be crowned champions with second-placed Barcelona having just eight games to play.
Madrid have also advanced from thrilling Champions League ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea in the second half of the campaign, and will face Manchester City for a place in European football’s showpiece event.
Ancelotti left Everton to join Madrid for a second spell in charge, and is thrilled with how his return has unfolded so far.
“The magic of this club, of the team and of these players is coming out,” Ancelotti said. “I can say I’m a lucky coach.
“I’m coaching a team that I feel a lot and that gives me great satisfaction, [at] a very well organised club. It is I who have to thank Real Madrid for giving me the opportunity to return to coaching this team.
“Real Madrid have the possibilities for history, tradition and quality to compete until the end. Now we have a very tough challenge against City. It was very tough also against PSG and Chelsea.
“The new rule that the away goal no longer counts as double makes these challenges more balanced and exciting.”
Ancelotti was also asked about the club’s potential acquisition of Kylian Mbappe, with the striker widely tipped to swap Paris for Madrid at the end of his contract.
I will say that the future of this club, thanks to president [Florentino] Perez, is of the highest level,” he added.
And it will also be in the next few years, regardless of the players who may come. Real Madrid made football history and will continue to do so for many more years.”
Turning to Serie A, Ancelotti believes Mourinho is on the right track to succeed with Roma after difficult spells at Tottenham and Manchester United.
Ancelotti said: “I think Mourinho has given back enthusiasm to a team that needed it.
“[They have done] extraordinary work thanks to his qualities. I think Mourinho can be an important piece in the history of Roma.”
Roma are in the hunt for Champions League qualification in Serie A, while they will face Leicester City for a place in the final of the Europa Conference League.
