Ancelotti expects Mourinho to make Real Madrid’s season a great one

Carlo Ancelotti says he is in regular contact with Jose Mourinho and is confident his long-time friend can produce an excellent campaign as Real Madrid manager.

Ancelotti, who is now head coach of the Brazil national team, made the comments during a visit to Real Madrid’s headquarters on Thursday. He was there to check on the club’s Brazilian players before the forthcoming international break.

Mourinho has made a mixed start to his latest period in charge of Real Madrid. Ancelotti believes the team improved significantly in its second match, a strong performance against Real Sociedad, and expects the important tests to begin with Friday’s La Liga fixture against Real Betis and the start of the UEFA Champions League.

Speaking to reporters about his relationship with Mourinho, Ancelotti said: “It is a very good relationship, and it has been for a long time. I have an excellent relationship with him; we exchange ideas and messages. I am very happy that he is here and that he can benefit from this great club, which is Real Madrid, a club he knows very well.”

Ancelotti, who previously managed Real Madrid, added: “Jose is a great coach and, by the way, I am sure he will do a very good job here.”

The Italian was also asked for his assessment of Mourinho’s opening matches in the role.

“I see it as very good,” Ancelotti said. “I think he faced some difficulties in the first match. Little by little, the team played better in the second match, and it was a great game against Real Sociedad. Now the important matches begin – the match against Real Betis tomorrow, Friday, in La Liga, and the start of the Champions League.”

Ancelotti said Real Madrid’s squad was well prepared for the challenges ahead, highlighting the contribution expected from the club’s new signings.

“I think the team is very well prepared, with the new signings bringing a lot and adding a lot to the team,” he said. “I think it will be a great season for Real Madrid.”

The visit gave Ancelotti an opportunity to maintain contact with the Brazilian contingent at Real Madrid before international duty. His comments also underlined the continued personal connection between two managers who have both occupied the club’s dugout and who, he said, regularly share ideas and messages.

Mourinho’s immediate focus will be the meeting with Real Betis on Friday, followed by Real Madrid’s opening Champions League commitments. Ancelotti believes the early improvement shown by the side, combined with the quality provided by the new arrivals, gives the club a strong platform for the rest of the season.

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