On Monday at 11.04 am Carlo Ancelotti took to the podium in the Allianz Arena media centre, starting a new era at FC Bayern. “I'd like to welcome Carlo,” said chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge at the press conference. “I'm very happy we've been able to sign him. He's the right coach in the right place at the right time,” stressed Rummenigge: “We'll have a good, extensive and wonderful cooperation.”
“I'm very happy and proud to be here. I'd like to thank Bayern for it. I'm feeling very good because I'm at one of the best clubs in the world,” Ancelotti said in German. “FC Bayern have a great tradition, and I'd like to continue this,” declared the 57-year-old, who is “fired up” for his new position after a one-year break.
Straightforward talks
Ancelotti praised the achievements of Pep Guardiola, his predecessor and “friend,” who “did an outstanding job in the last few years. I want to continue this style,” the new head coach stressed. “I'm not here to start a revolution. I know exactly that Bayern's style is attacking football of course. I love attacking football. We'll try to be strong in all competitions and win.”
Rummenigge commented on the negotiations with the Italian, which were “pretty straightforward. We sat down together, it wasn't a long conversation. Bayern wanted Carlo as coach, Carlo wanted Bayern. We both wanted it, so we shook hands and things were settled quickly.”
'I love what I'm doing'
Ancelotti agreed, revealing that he made “a very quick decision. Bayern wanted me as coach, and I had the desire to coach Bayern.” The five-time Champions League winner explained that the style of play is primarily dependent on “the characteristics of the players. I have an idea of football, and it has to suit the players.”
The experienced coach, who has worked for AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint Germain and Real Madrid, stressed that he does not feel excessive pressure: “I've always had the good fortune to coach top teams. Each top club wants to win. But to be honest, I don't feel the pressure that much. I love what I'm doing. We always try to do our best. Bayern have a great history, in the Champions League too. We want to be competitive and win every competition.”
Lederhosen as a present
Ancelotti made clear that his work is not a guarantee of a triumph in Europe's elite club competition. “I'll start every season with the goal of winning the Champions League. But it's not easy, it's not as if there's only one club wanting to achieve it.”
After the official unveiling Ancelotti visited the inerior of the Allianz Arena, where a brass band welcomed him. Kids lined up for the Bayern coach as he took his first steps onto the pitch, where he was presented with Lederhosen as a welcome gift.
Ancelotti is now looking forward to the first training session with his new team on Monday afternoon: “A new season begins today. I hope for this club and for all the fans that it'll be a fantastic season.”
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