Real Madrid’s open sessions at UCLA during their pre-season tour of the United States have revealed a new-old world to the assembled press.
Davide explained to Benzema how Atletico Madrid’s defence could collapse
The training sessions at Valdebebas were closed as if they were hiding the Coca-Cola formula. Still, Real Madrid’s open sessions at UCLA during their pre-season tour of the United States have revealed a new-old world to the assembled press. There has been a lot to watch and listen to – for example, the involvement and influence of Davide Ancelotti, who is much more than Carlo’s son. One of the first times when that became clear was in December, six months after his return to Real Madrid and four months into the season. Suddenly, in the run-up to the derby at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, Davide approached Karim Benzema. Not that Benzema needed directions, but the assistant coach explained to him how Atletico Madrid’s defence could collapse and how lethal it would be to play a few yards wide.
Ancelotti’s son first set foot in Ciudad Real Madrid in 2013 as an assistant
In the 12th minute, with the score at 0-0, Vinicius Junior ran, lifted his head, read the movement of the French striker and set him up for Benzema to open the scoring. The pre-season preparations are showing similar signs, as we are seeing Davide in control and intense to the point of asking Carlo to pass him the balls for a drill. Everyone is pleased because the connection between the staff is almost perfect and natural, with other figures such as goalkeeping coach Luis Llopis also having a say. Davide first set foot in Ciudad Real Madrid in 2013 as an assistant to the fitness coach. Real Madrid are delighted with him, considering Ancelotti’s son as a tireless professional, accustomed to spending 12 hours a day at the training ground.
At Bayern, he was promoted to Carlo’s right-hand man
As a footballer and coach, Davide had previously made his way in the Paris Saint-Germain youth academy, always following in his father’s footsteps. The latter has been exploring every aspect of football. Then, at Bayern Munich, he was promoted to Carlo’s right-hand man. This will be his position until his father retires, presumably after ending his second spell as Real Madrid coach. He was put to good use at Napoli and Everton, and he became the second-youngest coach in Premier League history. With his sparkle, playing good cop but also knowing how to set boundaries, he wins over the dressing room and loses the label of the boss’s son. Meanwhile, his ability to speak Italian, French, Spanish, German and English facilitates communication with players, club and staff.
In April, he had a strange day, as he could not cover for Carlo, who tested positive for COVID-19, as Davide did not have a UEFA PRO Licence. Ancelotti’s son climbed through the ranks as a player at AC Milan’s Primavera side. He tried his luck on loan in Serie D. Now a successful coach, in June, he married the Andalusian artist Ana Galocha, with whom he has two sons, Lucas and Leonardo.