Davide Ancelotti: Vinicius cannot be changed and Toni Kroos cannot be replaced

Davide Ancelotti says Real Madrid will never find another Toni Kroos and must build its own balance after the German midfielder’s departure.

The Lille coach also described Vinicius Junior as “untouchable”, saying the Brazil forward’s playing style should not be altered, although the structure around him can be adapted.

Ancelotti, 37, has spent much of his career alongside his father, Carlo, at Bayern Munich, Napoli, Everton and Real Madrid. He later worked at Botafogo, helped Brazil win the World Cup and moved to Lille, where he has begun establishing himself away from his father’s shadow.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper As, he said Lille had provided the right environment after a difficult period with Brazil.

“I went from the World Cup to being here almost overnight, and that was honestly good for me, because what happened with Brazil was extremely difficult,” he said.

Ancelotti praised Lille’s carefully planned model, which combines strong results, European football and financial stability while regularly developing players who can later be sold.

“Because of the planning and the lack of improvisation, outstanding players emerge here every year,” he said. “That is what makes the club financially stable. Lille gets positive results, competes strongly and plays in the Champions League. It is unique in football today.”

He believes Ligue 1 is physically demanding and competitive, with similarities to the Premier League, although its profile has been affected by difficulties with television rights.

“In terms of excitement and competition, French football is very similar to the Premier League,” he said. “Many French players eventually end up in England. If you come here thinking you will have time to control the ball and think, you are wrong.”

Defensive strength is key

Ancelotti says leading teams are now placing greater emphasis on defence after years dominated by possession, pressing and playing out from the back.

“Whether they use zonal or man-to-man marking, the teams that reach the Champions League final give priority to defence over attack,” he said.

He cited Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain as examples of teams with strong defensive foundations despite their different styles. Man-to-man marking, he added, is used by Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Barcelona and Real Madrid when they press aggressively.

That approach requires defenders capable of winning individual battles, including Arsenal’s William Saliba and Gabriel, and Paris Saint-Germain’s Marquinhos and Willian Pacho.

Ancelotti also praised Spain’s national team for its technical ability, numerical superiority and collective identity.

“They are excellent with the ball. They represent technical football, the third-man concept and numerical superiority, but most importantly they play as a team,” he said. “They are certainly an inspiration.”

He hopes Italy can establish a stable project. “We have always been known for our defensive strength, and that is no longer happening in the same way,” he said, while praising Roberto Mancini and Luciano Spalletti and expressing hope for greater continuity.

Ancelotti enjoys watching the current Barcelona side, particularly its direct approach and the way Raphinha attacks space as a central striker. He also warned that Pep Guardiola’s Barcelona inspired clubs in Italy and Germany to copy possession-based football without necessarily having the players to make it work.

His coaching influences include his father, Unai Emery, Mikel Arteta, Luis Enrique, Diego Simeone, Roberto De Zerbi and Jurgen Klopp. He particularly admires Emery’s defensive organisation and Simeone’s preparation for major matches.

‘There is no other Kroos’

Ancelotti said Kroos’s retirement represents a loss Real Madrid cannot reproduce.

“You lose something you will never get back,” he said. “He was the best player in the world in his position. You cannot say, ‘I need another Kroos’, because there is no player like him.”

Kroos controlled the rhythm and speed of matches, covered about 11 kilometres per game, defended effectively and possessed exceptional tactical awareness.

“He made me a better coach,” Ancelotti said. “His departure was a major loss.”

He believes Rodri could succeed at Real Madrid, but said the club should not search for a direct replacement.

“There is no need to look for a replacement for Toni,” he said. “Real Madrid will find its balance. With or without Rodri, it will remain a strong contender until the end, as it always does. When the decisive moment arrives, Real Madrid is always there.”

Ancelotti praised Vinicius for scoring in two Champions League finals and for his commitment to team-mates.

“He never misses a training session. He does not hide anything, deceive anyone or say, ‘This hurts, so I will not train.’ He is always there for the team,” he said.

“You cannot change Vinicius, but you can change the structure around him.”

Combining Vinicius with Kylian Mbappe gives a team immense attacking power, Ancelotti said, but requires tactical balance because both players are highly direct.

Mourinho and the Real Madrid dream

Ancelotti rejected the idea that Real Madrid players have more authority than the coach.

“If that were the case, there would be no need for a coach,” he said. “Real Madrid’s players are extremely professional. In the dressing room, the coach makes the decisions.”

He believes Jose Mourinho could be well suited to Real Madrid, saying the club’s recent history showed why the Portuguese was “the ideal coach at the moment”.

“He loves Real Madrid and has huge motivation,” Ancelotti said.

He also recalled Mourinho’s friendliness when Ancelotti interviewed him during a coaching course, despite their periods of competition, and praised Mourinho’s influence on modern coaching and tactics.

Carlo Ancelotti remains Davide’s greatest example, while Real Madrid has shaped his career from fitness coach to assistant manager.

“At Real Madrid, with all that pressure, time seems to pass very slowly,” he said. “You simply have to understand that every match is the most important.”

Davide Ancelotti admits coaching Real Madrid is his ambition, but knows his surname will not be enough.

“Real Madrid is everyone’s dream, and of course it is mine too,” he said. “It depends on whether I deserve it. It is not only about Real Madrid; it depends on me and what I achieve in my career.”

His guiding principle is simple: “We could spend three days here discussing ideas and philosophy, but the most important thing is winning.”