Real Madrid star praises Ancelotti for impact on career
When Carlo Ancelotti was appointed Real Madrid head coach for the second time in his managerial career last summer, there were a few raised eyebrows at the move.
Ancelotti, who was sacked by Madrid in 2015 and replaced by Rafa Benitez, led Everton to a 10th place finish last season, with the Toffees winning just three of their remaining 12 league games.
Some believed the Italian's time as a top-level head coach had passed.
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But, he was the man Madrid president Florentino Perez turned to after Zinedine Zidane departed Santiago Bernabeu following a trophyless season last term.
And Ancelotti has enjoyed a stunning start to this season, leading Los Blancos to the top of La Liga by eight points and into the last 16 of the Champions League.
Militao credits Ancelotti with form
And two Madrid stars who previously struggled at the club have credited the 62-year-old with improving their game and helping them find their form this year.
Ancelotti has been very important for me, he has given me the confidence every player needs.
- Eder MilitaoEder Militao has become a key part of Madrid's defence this year, playing at the heart of Ancelotti's backline.
And he told Diario AS his elevation to first-team starter is down to one man. He said: “Ancelotti has been very important for me, he has given me the confidence every player needs.
“I try to follow, learning each day. I have great moments ahead for Real Madrid and Brazil.”
Vinicius Junior praises Ancelotti
Militao's comments come on the back of another Brazilian praising Ancelotti.
Vinicius Junior's numbers in front of goal this term have vastly improved, scoring twelve times in 25 appearances compared to just six in the whole of last season.
And in November Vinicius credited Ancelotti with helping him too.
"They've all helped me - [Santiago] Solari, [Zinedine] Zidane and now Carlo. With him, I have more confidence, more minutes, more time to do things right. After three years training a lot, it has really helped, but now Ancelotti has arrived and has given me the confidence I need," he said in an interview with Cadena SER.
"Confidence is important for all players, but now I think I'm ready for this role. Before, I don't know if I was, but now I am. I am prepared to be at the top and continue to help the team for a long time and many seasons."
