Ancelotti or Zidane: Who is the Best Modern Real Madrid Coach?

Real Madrid’s rich history of football success is partly attributed to the exceptional coaches who have taken charge of the team over the years. Among them, Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane stand out as two of the most influential and successful managers in recent times. Both have achieved tremendous success with the club, with Ancelotti becoming the most decorated manager in Real Madrid’s history and Zidane securing an iconic legacy with his record of three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles. But when comparing these two greats, the question arises: who truly stands as the best modern coach for Real Madrid?

Carlo Ancelotti: A Master of Calm and Tactical Expertise

Carlo Ancelotti is renowned for his calm demeanor and flexible, adaptive coaching style. He doesn’t force his tactics on the players but instead allows them to express their talents, all while ensuring team balance. His approach is about fitting the right players into the right system rather than adhering to a strict tactical approach. Since taking charge of Real Madrid, Ancelotti has won an array of prestigious titles, including the famous “Decima,” the club’s tenth Champions League title in 2014, which marked a turning point in the club’s history. Under his leadership, Real Madrid has gone on to win numerous major trophies, and his legacy has only grown stronger with time.

Ancelotti has achieved 15 major trophies with the club, surpassing even Miguel Muñoz and Zinedine Zidane in terms of total silverware. His impressive list of honors includes three UEFA Champions League titles (2014, 2022, 2024), two La Liga titles (2022, 2024), two Copa del Rey trophies (2014, 2023), and a host of international titles such as the UEFA Super Cups (2014, 2022, 2024) and Club World Cups (2014, 2022). This record makes him the most successful coach in the club’s history.

Luka Modric, one of the most respected figures in Real Madrid’s dressing room, has spoken highly of Ancelotti’s ability to manage players and handle the squad’s dynamics. Modric stated, “Ancelotti understands the players perfectly. He knows how to motivate us while respecting our characters.” This ability to manage egos and keep the dressing room united has been a significant part of Ancelotti’s success at the club.

Zinedine Zidane: Charisma and Leadership that Inspire Players

Zinedine Zidane’s managerial career at Real Madrid was marked by his natural charisma and inspiring leadership. As a coach, Zidane exuded the same presence and authority he demonstrated as a player. His tenure at the helm of Los Blancos from 2016 to 2021 will forever be etched in history due to his incredible feat of winning three consecutive UEFA Champions League titles between 2016 and 2018. Zidane achieved this remarkable success despite facing intense competition from some of the best teams in Europe.

What made Zidane truly special was his ability to motivate and inspire his players. Cristiano Ronaldo, who was under Zidane’s guidance during his time at the club, once commented, “Zidane is a unique coach. He understands perfectly what it means to play for Real Madrid. His presence motivates us to give the best of ourselves.” Zidane’s closeness to his players, coupled with his own playing experience, helped him build a squad that was highly cohesive and focused, leading to remarkable triumphs.

In addition to his three Champions League titles (2016, 2017, 2018), Zidane’s trophy cabinet includes two La Liga titles (2017, 2020), two Spanish Super Cups, two UEFA Super Cups, and two Club World Cups. His ability to manage high-pressure situations, such as his dramatic comeback against Wolfsburg in 2016 and the victory over Atlético Madrid in the 2017 Champions League final, showcases his tactical understanding and resilience.

The Battle of Tactics: Ancelotti’s Flexibility vs. Zidane’s Confidence-Based Approach

One of the key differences between Ancelotti and Zidane lies in their tactical approaches. Carlo Ancelotti is known for his adaptability and ability to make changes based on the strengths of his players. Under his leadership, Real Madrid’s midfield has evolved significantly, from the dominant trio of Casemiro, Kroos, and Modric to a more youthful midfield incorporating the talents of Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, and Aurelien Tchouaméni. This adaptability has allowed Ancelotti to evolve with the squad and ensure that the team remains competitive despite the departure of key players like Casemiro.

Zidane, on the other hand, relied heavily on instilling confidence and trust within his players. His leadership was less about tactical adjustments and more about getting the best out of his players by motivating them. Zidane’s ability to keep a squad of stars united during challenging times and his knack for handling difficult moments were crucial in his success. Zidane was often praised for his ability to maintain team harmony and ensure that players were performing at their best, even when the team faced adversity.

A Coach for Every Generation

When comparing these two legendary coaches, it’s clear that both have had their unique strengths and contributed to Real Madrid’s success in different ways. Ancelotti’s tactical nous and calm approach have made him a highly effective manager, capable of adapting to the demands of each season. His ability to integrate younger players into the squad while maintaining the strength of established stars has proven to be a valuable asset.

On the other hand, Zidane’s charismatic leadership and ability to inspire his players make him a coach that players genuinely wanted to play for. His achievements, particularly in the Champions League, have set him apart as one of the club’s most iconic figures. Zidane brought a sense of stability and belief to the squad that allowed the players to perform at their highest level, particularly in the most crucial matches.

Comparing the Palmarès: Ancelotti vs. Zidane

Ancelotti’s trophy haul, 15 major titles, speaks volumes about his success and his ability to maintain a winning culture over a sustained period. However, Zidane’s legacy cannot be understated. While Ancelotti has the edge in terms of overall titles, Zidane’s achievements, particularly the three Champions League wins, are seen as historic, especially given the difficulty of winning such a prestigious tournament three times in a row.

Personal Preferences: Who’s Better?

Ultimately, the debate of who is the better coach depends largely on personal preference. Some may lean towards Ancelotti for his tactical flexibility and his record of sustained success, while others may prefer Zidane for his leadership and the aura he brings to the club. Ancelotti has undoubtedly become the most successful coach in Real Madrid’s history, but Zidane’s unique contributions, particularly his record in the Champions League, make him an unforgettable part of the club’s story.

As the debate continues, both coaches remain legends in their own right, and Real Madrid fans can be proud of the incredible achievements brought to the club under their stewardship. Whether it’s Ancelotti’s adaptability or Zidane’s charismatic leadership, both have left an indelible mark on the history of the club.

In Conclusion

The comparison between Carlo Ancelotti and Zinedine Zidane is a debate that will go on for years to come. Ancelotti’s calm and tactical brilliance has earned him a place as one of Real Madrid’s most successful managers, while Zidane’s leadership and aura will forever be remembered for its profound impact on the team. Each manager brought something unique to the table, and both have made their indelible mark on Real Madrid’s rich history. Whether you prefer Ancelotti’s measured approach or Zidane’s inspiring presence, both have left Real Madrid in a better place than they found it, ensuring that their legacies will live on for generations to come.