Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid CF, speaks during the Real Madrid training session and press conference ahead of the La Liga 2024/25 match against CA Osasuna at Ciudad Real Madrid in Valdebebas, Spain
Carlo Ancelotti is under pressure following Real Madrid’s defeats to Barcelona and AC Milan (Shutterstock)

Carlo Ancelotti has opened up on the ‘worst mistake’ he’s made during his career with Real Madrid.

The 65-year-old is currently in his second stint as Madrid’s head coach having left in May 2015 before returning to the Santiago Bernabeu in 2021.

During his time at Madrid, Ancelotti has guided the club to 14 trophies, including two La Liga titles and three Champions Leagues.

However, Ancelotti has revealed that a dispute over his salary ended his hopes of securing a new contract with Madrid in 2014.

‘It is impossible to make only good decisions in thirty years,’ Ancelotti said in an interview with France Football.

‘For example, I had a bad one here in Madrid, after my first year. I was very close to extending my contract, the club wanted to keep me, but I pushed too hard in relation to my salary and they stopped.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is seen with the trophy during the UEFA Champions League 2023/24 final match between Borussia Dortmund v Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti has guided Real Madrid to three Champions League trophies (Getty)

‘It was a mistake, the worst I could have made. But it allowed me to learn.’

Ancelotti was also asked which players have had the biggest impact on him during his managerial career.

‘Paolo Maldini. He was a special player for me,’ Ancelotti said.

‘He had been my teammate, he became my captain. And he helped me a lot at Milan. We really had a strong, fantastic relationship.

‘Ibrahimovic, of course, with his strong character, his great personality.

‘Generally, the most important players are the easiest to deal with. They may have a big ego, but that can be their motivation. It’s not a problem to have a big ego if you prove yourself on the pitch and behave well. Teammates will follow and help.

‘Last season’s team was the easiest to coach because egos were low in the dressing room. The veterans Modric, Kroos, Carvajal, Nacho, they have no ego. They served as an example to everyone who saw them.

‘From a relational point of view, it was great. No player complained about not playing. It was a dream.’

For more stories like this, check our sport page.

Follow Metro Sport for the latest news on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

MORE : Former Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech mocks Israeli supporters attacked in Amsterdam

MORE : England interim manager Lee Carsley tipped for surprise Premier League job

MORE : Dwight McNeil injury latest ahead of Everton trip to West Ham