Real Madrid Boss Ancelotti Names 1 Player Who Rescued His Job at the Bernabeu, and It’s Not Ronaldo

Real Madrid Boss Ancelotti Names 1 Player Who Rescued His Job at the Bernabeu, and It’s Not Ronaldo

Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
updated at October 21, 2023 at 6:06 AM
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  • Carlo Ancelotti has credited Sergio Ramos for rescuing his job at Real Madrid
  • Ramos scored a stoppage-time header for Ancelotti's men as Madrid won the elusive 10th UCL title after extra time
  • Ancelotti will reunite with his former captain when Sevilla host Los Blancos on Saturday, October 21

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti acknowledges that without Sergio Ramos, he might have lost his job at Real Madrid.

Ahead of the team's upcoming match against Sevilla, Ancelotti spoke highly of his former captain and reminisced about the 2014 Champions League final, where Real Madrid triumphed 4-1 against Atletico Madrid in extra time.

Sergio Ramos, Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid, Santiago Bernabeu, 2014 Champions League final, Atletico Madrid, header
Carlo Ancelotti heaped praise on Sergio Ramos for saving his job at Real Madrid as he reminisced about the 2014 Champions League final. Photos by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates and Matthew Lewis - UEFA
Source: Getty Images

How Ramos saved Ancelotti's Madrid job

During Ancelotti's first stint with Los Blancos, Ramos' crucial header in the closing moments of the second half enabled Real Madrid to secure their 10th Champions League title, famously known as La Decima, after extra time, per Bleacher Report.

Ramos' decisive header marked the realization of Madrid's much-anticipated 10th crown, bringing an end to the club's 12-year wait for European triumph and consequently securing the esteemed Italian from potential job loss.

Fast forward, Ancelotti's recent return to the Santiago Bernabeu club after his departure in 2015 has seen him lead the team to another league title, a further Champions League victory, and a collection of other notable trophies.

Ahead of his reunion with Ramos when Madrid take on the Rojiblancos, the 64-year-old said in a news conference on Friday, as cited by Daily Post:

“I’d love to see [Ramos] and say hello. I have affection for all the players I’ve had, but above all, I have special affection for him.
He continued: “If I’m here today, it’s because of Sergio Ramos. If he hadn’t scored the goal in the [Champions League] final, I probably wouldn’t be here.
"For that, and for everything he did for this club, everybody has a lot of affection for him. He’ll play well, for sure. Let’s hope he doesn’t score, but if he does, he can [celebrate] however he wants!”

Ancelotti dispels rumours linking him to Brazil

Sports Brief also reported that Carlo Ancelotti has refuted speculations connecting him to the Brazil national team coaching position.

Despite reports suggesting a potential move to international football upon the conclusion of his contract in 2024, the Italian emphasized his contentment with his current role at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Earlier, in July, Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF) president Ednaldo Rodrigues seemingly indicated that Ancelotti was set to take the reins of the Brazilian team, coinciding with the appointment of Fluminense's manager Fernando Diniz on a one-year contract for the national side.

Authors
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe photo
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe
Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe is a Ligue 1, Bundesliga, and La Liga editor with five-year experience. He previously worked with Sports Corna and 360SportsGH.
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