Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that managing Liverpool was once his “dream job” before fate took him down a different path one that eventually landed him on the other side of Merseyside with Everton.
Speaking in a recent interview with journalist Armando Ceroni on Swiss station RSI, Ancelotti confirmed long-standing rumours that he was in talks to coach the Reds following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal in 2015. However, the club opted for Jurgen Klopp, a move that changed Liverpool’s fortunes and ushered in a new era of success. Ancelotti, meanwhile, went on to manage Bayern Munich instead.
Despite never managing Liverpool, Ancelotti expressed his admiration for the club and its supporters:
“My dream was to coach Liverpool,” he admitted. “But then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry. Now, I am absolutely an Everton fan. I really liked the environment there’s a spectacular passion for the colours. You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today is the best in the Premier League.”
The veteran manager, who currently leads Real Madrid, also disclosed that he rejected an offer to coach the Italian national team in 2018, saying the role lacked the daily involvement he enjoys.
“I said no to the Italian national team because I didn’t feel like it,” Ancelotti stated. “I really like being on the pitch every day preparing for training, and the national team seemed like a part-time job that made me lose a bit of passion.”
With his contract at Madrid running until 2026, Ancelotti’s immediate focus is on salvaging the club’s Champions League campaign. Following a 3-0 first-leg defeat to Arsenal, the Spanish giants must stage a dramatic comeback at the Santiago Bernabeu this Wednesday. A failure to advance could cast doubt on Ancelotti’s future in the Spanish capital.
