Parma, and Tanzi, were a learning experience for Ancelotti — it is not difficult to trace the roots of his definition of management to those early days. His job was simply to find a way of winning, not just in the cause of getting the most out of his players, but to meet the insatiable demands of those above him for as long as possible, too.

Carlo Ancelotti has described Pep Guardiola as ‘the best manager out there’ and a ‘nightmare’ to prepare for ahead of Real Madrid ’s trip to face Manchester City on Tuesday night. The two European heavyweights clash in the Champions League knockout play-off, with the first leg in Manchester before a trip to Madrid next Wednesday.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti said Manchester City was the worst possible rival Real Madrid could have been drawn against in the Champions League playoff and described the preparation process for the showdown as a nightmare.