The 57-year-old has coached some of Europe’s biggest clubs, including Real Madrid, Chelsea and AC Milan. Speaking at his official introduction, Ancelotti said winning the Champions League won’t be easy.
Carlo Ancelotti was presented as Bayern Munich’s second Italian coach on Monday and the three-times Champions League winner said he wants to make his mark on the club just like compatriot Giovanni Trapattoni.
Bayern won the 1997 Bundesliga and the German Cup a year later under Trapattoni, who became an icon for the fans as much for his wacky press conferences as for his success on the field. Ancelotti is a more reserved character but hopes to enter Bayern folklore.
“I hope I can leave a legacy here like he did,” Ancelotti said.
A former coach of Juventus, AC Milan, Real Madrid, Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain, Ancelotti has signed a three-year-deal to become Pep Guardiola’s successor.
“I’m very proud to be here,” he said in German before changing to English and Italian. “Bayern is one of the biggest clubs in the world. They have a fantastic history.”
Guardiola won three straight league championships – the first coach to do so in his first three seasons in German football. But the Spaniard, now manager at Manchester City, was criticized for Bayern’s failings in the UEFA Champions League, where Trapattoni also flopped.
Ancelotti recognizes the challenge but said he doesn’t feel under extra pressure.
“A lot of people ask about pressure,” he responded. “But I’m used to this. I’ve been lucky to train top, top teams. Honestly, I don’t feel much pressure. I love my job. I know Bayern have a fantastic history in the Bundesliga and Champions League, but we try to do our best. To win the Champions League isn’t easy. We all begin wanting to win.”
A future for Götze?
The Italian was asked on two occasions about the future of attacking-midfielder Mario Götze, who made just 11 appearances last season under Guardiola. The German has been linked with a move to Tottenham Hotspur, but Ancelotti refused to hint whether the player was heading for the exit door.
“He’s a Bayern player so I’ll consider him. I’ll treat him as one,” said the coach, who confirmed he had spoken to Götze. Later he added: “He’s a player at Bayern and until he’s not, I don’t have to think other things.”
Ancelotti’s first season at Bayern kicks off on Saturday July 16 against SV Lippstadt, before he meets Guardiola and City in a pre-season friendly, four days later. Bayern’s first competitive match will be against Borussia Dortmund in the German Super Cup on August 14.
