Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti on Napoli stint: “It was a good thing to split up”

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has stated that it was good that he left Napoli, ahead of the Champions League clash involving the two clubs.

Ancelotti had joined Napoli as the club’s manager in the summer of 2018, replacing Maurizio Sarri. But the stint didn’t work out well, as the Italian was sacked in December 2019 despite a big Champions League win over Belgian side Genk. He later had a stint at Everton before joining Real Madrid once again in 2021.

With Napoli set to host Real Madrid later today, Ancelotti spoke to Corriere della Sera about his stint at the Partenopei and he stated that the decision to depart the Stadio Maradona was the right one.

He said: “It was a good thing we split up, I wouldn’t be in the best club in the world today.”

He further added some detail to the exit, saying: “There were good moments, others less so. It is always better to separate when there is not full harmony with  the club, for me it remains a positive experience.”

Ancelotti also went on to praise Napoli, who won the Scudetto last season and reached the Champions League quarter-finals under Luciano Spalletti.

“We will play against one of the best teams in Italy, with many great individuals. It will be a serious, complete match. Osimhen and Kvara are very strong forwards.”

Both Napoli and Real Madrid have started the Champions League campaigns with wins, with Los Blancos beating Union Berlin and Napoli edging past Braga.

Kaustubh Pandey | GIFN