In such difficult times as these, I thought it timely to continue Milan Legends and reflect upon the remarkable achievements of our recently departed but far from forgotten legendary coach, Carlo Ancelotti.

It is arguable whether ‘Carletto’, as he was affectionately known, would be considered a Milan Legend based only on his playing days for the Rossoneri. But, this argument becomes irrelevant when one considers his legacy following his spell as coach for in this time he steered Milan back to greatness.

The European Cup final against Steaua in 1989

As a player, Carlo was part of one of the finest Milan sides every assembled with Maldini, Franco Baresi, Mauro Tassotti and Alessandro Costacurta in defence, Frank Rijkaard, Ruud Gullit and Roberto Donadoni in midfield and Marco van Basten in attack. This side would go on to prove their legendary status as they went on to claim back-to-back European Cups in 1989 and 1990. Ancelotti only played for Milan for five seasons but in addition to winning two European Cups he also helped the Rossoneri claim two Serie A titles, two Italian Super Cups, two European Super Cups as well as the Intercontinental Cup. Carlo Ancelotti’s greatest moment came in the 1989 European Cup semi-final after her skipped past two defenders and found the back of the net with a powerful long range drive. This goal is the first goal shown in the video below.

It was, however, Carlo Ancelotti’s reign as the coach of Milan that really made him a club legend. Following a dismal season where Milan had failed to qualify for the Champions League, Ancelotti, who was at Juventus at the time, guided Milan back to the Champions League for the 2002-03 season which they would go on to win in a penalty shoot-out against Italian rivals Juventus. I remember watching this game and after years of failure in Europe, what a joy it was to see Milan back at the summit of European football and it was thanks largely to our coach, Carlo.

Winning in Manchester: The 2003 Champions League triumph

Before the victory in Manchester, Carlo had been dubbed the ‘almost’ coach. Despite picking up the UEFA Cup with Parma in 1999, Carlo had picked up this dubious title following his Parma and Juventus sides that came close to the Serie A title on numerous occasions. But following the victory in Manchester, this was all put laid to rest as Carlo would go on to guide Milan to the Serie A title the following year.

Milan, under the guidance of Carlo, emerged as a team built for the Champions League as they embarked on an incredible run over the next few years. The 2003-04 Milan again looked odds on to win again with the emergence of the prodigy Kaka, yet somehow they managed to lose a four goal advantage in the return leg against Deportivo. The 2005 season saw Milan go all the way to the final but again incredibly lost out to Liverpool after leading three nil at half time. In 2006 it took the genius of Ronaldinho at the San Siro to eventually deny the Rossoneri a third final appearance under Carlo. But in 2007, Milan did make the final again, for the third time under Carlo and this time redemption was achieved against Liverpool. Carlo gave himself a reputation for being a master at winning the Champions League for his achievements in this most prestigious of cups are second to none.

A Champions League master and Milan Legend

In light of his success, Carlo attracted the attention of Roman Abramovich. The Chelsea owner who was and still is obsessed with winning the Champions League thought that Carlo be the right man for the job and rightly so.

Carlo’s legacy at Milan was more than just about his successes. Under Carlo, Milan played an attractive brand of football, one based on explosive counter attacks and fast attractive passing. A major feature of his coaching style was is proximity to the players. He shared close relationships with the players as Milan became known as ‘the family’. In addition, Carlo was tactically astute and had a great ability to get the best out of his players. He helped build the Gattuso and Pirlo parntership that would prove to be a match made in heaven. Not only was this partnership at the fulcrum of Milan’s successes under Carlo but it also was pivotal in helping Italy claim the 2006 World Cup. Kaka’s rise to prominence and to World Player of the Year was guided by Carlo whilst Shevchenko played the best football of his career under Carlo winning the Ballon D’or in the process.

Throughout his time at Milan, Silvio did not invest a great deal into the side and this makes Carlo’s record all the more remarkable. It was essentially the same group of players that lifted the 2003 and the 2007 Champions League trophies. In the end, this same group of players simply became too old as Milan struggled in the latter two seasons of Carlo’s reign. Given the circumstances, it is understandable why Carlo opted to the opportunity to coach the resource rich Chelsea, as painful as it was to see him go.

Carlo’s Milan side will long live in the memory and Carlo himself will long be remembered. A great man, a great tactician, a Milan Legend. A like to think that we have not seen the last of Carlo, that he may one day he may return. In football anything is possible but for now let us just say, Grazie Carlo.

Grazie Carlo