UEFA Champions League

Rivaldo Exclusive: Carlo Ancelotti is a friend and a father

  • Rivaldo
  • 4:00 min read
Rivaldo
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In his latest exclusive Rivaldo discusses the influence of Carlo Ancelotti ahead of the Champions League final, why the pressure will be on Kylian Mbappe next season, Hansi Flick's appointment at Barcelona and much more...

  • Ancelotti man management has a calming influence

  • Pressure on Mbappe to perform for Real Madrid

  • Flick needs financial support and new players


Borussia Dortmunt v Real Madrid
Saturday, 20:00
Live on TNT Sports

Carlo Ancelloti will talk a lot with the players, he is a coach who is friends with his players, and that helps him get the most out of each one.

The players know it's a Champions League final, they know what it's like to play for Real Madrid, so those are the motivations. It is a world-renowned team with a fan base spread across the world who will be supporting the club at Wembley.

Ancelotti is a guy who is always present, he gives them morale, like a true father. He is used to treating each member of his squad as a son, and with that the players enter the field to do their best for themselves and for the coach.

He's always joking with the guys, he's always laughing and present in conversation and, he's a guy I have nothing bad to say.

I spent a year and a half being managed by him, and although I didn't play as much as I expected at the time, I have enormous affection and respect for the work he has done.

I didn't play in the Champions League final against Juventus in 2003, and I have no ill feelings towards Ancelotti. He is extraordinary, a good person who helps the players I also work with a lot, and I'm sure that's what he's been doing at Real Madrid.

He knows how to win over guys, even those who aren't playing, like he did with me back then, so I have a lot of affection for that, he's a friend and a father.


I have fond memories of Milan

Ancelotti talked to me a lot, even when I wasn't playing and sat on the bench, we always had a nice exchange. He motivated me, gave me confidence and of course, even though I was going through difficult times in my personal life, he was there for me. My mind was in Milan, but at the same time, I was in Brazil with the children.

They were very difficult moments, I don't use that as an excuse for not playing, but it weighs heavily on our career for us to get on the field and play, and he helped me a lot with that at that time. It ended up that I asked to terminate my contract with Milan where I had a three-year contract.

I'm grateful that he gave me opportunities and of course, even though I was going through difficult times, he invested in me, and in the end, we all celebrated hugging each other and were happy for having won the Champions League.


Pressure is on Mbappé to perform

Kylian Mbappé will have to show his worth when he arrives at Real Madrid. Of course, he's a big star, he's already won a World Cup, was top scorer in another, but he's going to a big club that's always reaching the Champions League final.

I don't think Rodrygo will be harmed, nor will Vinícius Júnior. They are in a Champions League final with the possibility of winning another title. The pressure, in fact, is all on Mbappe, who will arrive at a club that has won the Champions League so often, a title he doesn't yet have.

mbappe1280.jpg

The responsibility will be on the Frenchman more than on Rodrygo and Vini Junior. He is a great player, but he will have to show everything he knows to win a place in the team. Those who are currently doing such quality work, with titles at Real, are the two who play in his position.

The responsibility will certainly be on the Frenchman, even more so if Real Madrid wins the Champions League this Saturday.


Hansi Flick needs financial support

Hansi Flick is a great coach. To get back to where they belong, Barcelona needs a good coach, as it is essential for the team's development. Xavi had said he wouldn't continue, then he backtracked, and in the end the president preferred to end the contract. They decided to replace him with another great coach.

Now, Barcelona needs to put together a team with two or three more players, because a team is not just about having a quality coach. To be challenging in important competitions such as the Champions League, La Liga and the Copa del Rey, Barcelona still needs reinforcements on the player side.


New players

I think three renowned, quality players will be enough to propel the team forward for next season. To make Barcelona stronger, I think they need two defensive options, and a striker.

I know that the club's situation is not the best so the president, Deco and Flick himself will manage this situation well and they will have to be responsible with the club's finances.


Raphinha can win over Barca fans

Everyone knows that Raphinha is a great player, and everyone knows his quality, though we expected more from him at Barcelona. It's difficult to talk about his departure from the club, but to stay at Barça, he needs to be a starter and establish himself once again. When a player is in and out of the team, people begin to doubt his ability.

There are behind-the-scenes talk that he will leave, but everything depends only on him. If nothing happens and he starts the season with the club and establishes himself by playing with the new coach, things could get better for him.

With Flick, who thinks differently than Xavi, it's a new manager, and a new chance to prove your worth.


A fresh opportunity for Victor Roque

Whenever the coach changes, new opportunities appear for the players. The arrival of Hansi Flick can be positive for him as a new coach can change everything. Today, Vitor Roque has everything he needs to show his football in Europe. He should now have extra motivation to do his best so that he stays in the team next season and has a much more profitable season for Barça.


Now read more Champions League previews and tips here.



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