Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Cristiano Ronaldo is the player he enjoys watching most on the pitch.
In the second part of his interview with FIFA.com, the Italian offered a surprising take on Los Blancos’ most important match of last season and passed judgment on Atletico Madrid adversary Diego Simeone, before turning his attentions to the No 7.
“I think that the key clash of our season was [the final of] the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, in Valencia [Madrid won 2-1 via a late Gareth Bale strike],” he noted.
“[However], the most beautiful moment was, without a doubt, the Champions League final in Lisbon where, after such a long wait, we claimed La Decima for Real Madrid.
“[Diego Simeone’s] had an incredible season. He had a fairly unheralded team and, thanks to his ability, determination and character, took them to the top of the Spanish league.
“Fortunately he didn’t win the Champions League too, but he’s able to instil his strength of character into his team and that’s what enabled them to go all the way to the final.
“In Italy we’d say [the Club World Cup triumph] was ‘la ciliegia sulla torta’ (the cherry on the cake).
“The cake was winning the Champions League and then we took the cherry too, which was the Club World Cup.
“It’s a major trophy which only the champions of each region compete for. I’d say it crowned a fantastic year and of course we really wanted to win it.
“A lot of people would be really surprised by him. As I’ve said many times before, he’s a player who’s a one-off in terms of professionalism and responsibility, even at this level.
“He was born with extraordinary talent, but he squeezes the juice from and works on that talent thanks to a level of drive I’ve seen in few other players.
“That’s right, Zidane was the player I most enjoyed in training, but Ronaldo’s the one I enjoy most in matches – he scores in virtually every game!”