Rio de Janeiro – Davide Ancelotti, recently departed from Botafogo after a five-month stint as head coach, has broken his silence in an interview with DAZN, discussing a range of topics including his father Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid forward Vinicius Jr., and the recent departure of Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen. While his time at Botafogo was viewed positively by players, management, and fans, consistent team issues hampered consistent results.
Ancelotti, who served as an assistant coach under his father at Everton, Napoli, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid, acknowledges the influence his father has had on his career. “It’s true that we are similar in character,” he said, as reported by multiple sources. “At first, I tended to imitate him a little, because he is my example, and I also had to learn that I am different, that I am not the same, and that I do not have the aura that he has had. My father has won 5 Champions Leagues.”
The younger Ancelotti offered insight into managing star players, crediting his father’s approach. “When a player is a star, he is alone. In this, I always believe that my father has been very good, in approaching the star especially. Because he understands that is his role within the team. The true star is someone who has to supply to others, who improves others and who has a lot of responsibility on his shoulders, not only from the outside, but also from within. Everyone inside expects him to solve the match.”
Turning to the subject of Xabi Alonso’s decision to remain at Bayer Leverkusen, rejecting advances from several top clubs, including Real Madrid, Ancelotti offered a pragmatic perspective. “Coaches change. Xabi is a young coach who is going to have an extraordinary career and, surely, this will not affect him. These things happen. I, who experience it day to day as a coach, understand it. Perhaps, from the outside, it may seem a bit more shocking. But, dismissal is part of our life and you have to accept it.”
Ancelotti also spoke highly of Vinicius Jr., whom he coached during his time at Real Madrid. “Vini has a goal, he dribbles, he gives assists… As a player, I don’t reckon you can argue with Vinicius,” he stated. “From the outside, his character generates talk, but I don’t think that should make you lose focus on how decisive and unbalanced he is. Teams set up matches thinking about him.”
Despite his relatively young age of 39, Davide Ancelotti brings a wealth of experience and knowledge gleaned from dressing rooms at some of the world’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid and Bayern Munich, across multiple leagues. His future, following his experience in Brazil, is expected to be back in Europe. He’s quickly establishing himself as a thoughtful and insightful voice in the coaching world, separate from the considerable shadow cast by his father’s legendary career.
Ancelotti’s time at Botafogo, while brief, was marked by a positive impact on the club’s culture and player development. However, pre-existing squad imbalances limited his ability to achieve sustained success on the pitch. The club finished sixth in the Brazilian league in 2025, 16 points behind champions Flamengo, and were eliminated from the Copa Libertadores by Ecuador’s Liga de Quito in the round of 16, according to reports from ESPN [1].
The departure of Xabi Alonso from Bayer Leverkusen, a story that dominated headlines in March 2026, highlights the volatile nature of the coaching profession. Alonso’s decision, reportedly influenced by a desire to continue building a long-term project at Leverkusen, underscores the increasing importance of club stability and vision for attracting and retaining top managerial talent. [3]
Vinicius Jr.’s continued development remains a key focus for Real Madrid, and Ancelotti’s assessment of the Brazilian winger’s qualities – his goal-scoring ability, dribbling skills, and playmaking vision – reinforces his importance to the team’s attacking threat. The player’s character, often the subject of scrutiny, is seen by Ancelotti as secondary to his on-field impact. [2]
Davide Ancelotti’s career trajectory, from a playing background at AC Milan to a decade-long apprenticeship under his father, culminating in his first head coaching role at Botafogo, demonstrates a commitment to the game and a willingness to learn and adapt. His recent comments offer a glimpse into his evolving philosophy and his perspective on the challenges and rewards of managing at the highest level.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti is expected to pursue opportunities in Europe, leveraging his experience and network to secure a recent head coaching position. His insights into player management, tactical approaches, and the demands of elite football will undoubtedly be highly sought after by clubs across the continent.
The next step for Carlo Ancelotti is leading the Brazilian national team, a challenge he embraced in 2025. His son’s burgeoning managerial career adds another layer of intrigue to the Ancelotti footballing dynasty.
What are your thoughts on Davide Ancelotti’s comments? Share your opinions in the comments below, and be sure to follow Archysport for the latest updates on football news and analysis.
Sources:
