The Italian believes that the Champions League offers the Frenchman the best chance of immediate glory and has predicted "a battle" in the weekend's derby with Atletico
Real Madrid should keep Zinedine Zidane as their head coach even if they fail to win La Liga and the Champions League, according to Carlo Ancelotti.
The Italian achieved legendary status at the Bernabeu as he led them to their 10th European Cup triumph, and he believes that even if the rookie Frenchman fails to deliver trophies this season, he has to be Madrid’s long-term solution.
“Regardless of how things turn out come the end of the campaign, Zidane should remain as coach next season,” Ancelotti told Sina Sports.
“The Champions League isn't easy; it requires a huge amount of effort and a high degree of focus, and you have very little room for error. You also need a bit of luck.”
While Madrid are in a commanding position in that competition – they hold a 2-0 lead over Roma ahead of the return leg in Spain – they find themselves third in La Liga prior to the weekend’s derby with Atletico.
Ancelotti, who will take charge of Bayern Munich in the summer, is optimistic ahead of Saturday’s meeting and would not rule Real out of the title race, despite drawing with Malaga last time out to leave them nine points off leaders Barcelona.
“There's no doubt that the derby will be a battle. I think that Madrid will win at the Bernabeu, but it won't be easy,” he confirmed.
“The draw leaves Real Madrid at a great disadvantage in the title race but, as Zidane said, Madrid never give up.”
- Goal