With key changes expected at AC Milan this summer, speculation has put forward the possible return of Carlo Ancelotti amid talk of an exit from Real Madrid.
After their early exit from the Champions League this week coupled with the deficit they face in the La Liga title race, it could prove to be a disappointing season for the Spanish giants, once which may well spell the end of the Italian tactician’s time at the helm.
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It’s been another successful stint at the Bernabeu as Ancelotti has continued to write his name into the history books and further establish himself as a coaching great, but with upheaval expected at Milan at a time when questions are being asked of his future, could a reunion lie ahead?
As reported by La Gazzetta dello Sport, they are certainly in favour of the idea as they have called upon Ancelotti to return home, albeit they note that Roma could be another potential option for the 65-year-old, while Brazil have been long-term admirers.
Nevertheless, they put forward Milan as a possible destination, and with talk of a new sporting director being appointed and doubts over Sergio Conceicao’s future beyond this season as we continue to struggle to secure a Champions League spot for next year, could the idea of an Ancelotti return gather pace and substance in the coming weeks and months?
One man who is certainly in favour of the move is another Milan icon, Arrigo Sacchi, who insists that the Rossoneri should open talks at the very least to consider the option.
“Yes, Milan should make a phone call to Ancelotti. It would be a sensational return that could only help the Rossoneri at this time,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.
On one hand, the question has to be asked as to whether it would be a step back and a risk, as reunions don’t necessarily result in positive outcomes, while Milan could be keen on a more modern and forward-thinking coach who brings a different dynamic to the job.
Further, there has to be a synergy between the coach and sporting director, and so whoever is appointed first, must be confident and comfortable with the other to ensure that they work well together and assemble a Milan squad capable of competing for major honours again.
That said, Ancelotti’s record speaks for itself, and we know first-hand how elite of a coach he is and what success he is capable of bringing to the club after his previous stint in charge.
With such an environment of frustration and disappointment around the club currently as we continue to struggle to meet expectations on the pitch and as ownership and management continue to receive criticism, the stability and calm that Ancelotti could bring may well be exactly what we need at this moment.
His man-management skills to get the best out of an underperforming squad and to build for the future could just be the perfect mix at just the right time in our evolution, and so it will be fascinating to see if firstly Milan opt to make a change on the bench at the end of the season, and if Ancelotti emerges as a serious candidate to become Conceicao’s successor.