Behind Real Madrid’s 11 Trophies in 3 Years: One Call from Florentino and Ancelotti’s Personal Sacrifice

With the Intercontinental Cup victory, Carlo Ancelotti has cemented his place as the most successful manager in Real Madrid’s illustrious history, winning an unprecedented 15 trophies during his tenure. In his first stint, the Italian mastermind claimed four titles in two years. Since his return in the summer of 2021, Ancelotti has added 11 more trophies in just three and a half years, redefining success at the Santiago Bernabéu.

The decision to bring Ancelotti back in 2021 was a game-changing move for Real Madrid. As revealed by Spanish outlet Relevo on December 20, the story behind Ancelotti’s return is one of unexpected twists, strategic phone calls, and a personal sacrifice by the man himself.

May 2021: Zidane Departs, Real Madrid’s Search Begins

In May 2021, Zinedine Zidane announced his resignation as Real Madrid’s head coach, leaving the club in search of a new leader. Florentino Pérez and the club’s management had already anticipated this possibility and had been in talks with Massimiliano Allegri for several months. Allegri was keen on taking over the reins at Real Madrid, but a late intervention from Juventus changed the course of events.

Juventus president Andrea Agnelli made an irresistible offer to Allegri, convincing him to return to Turin. Allegri chose Juventus, leaving Real Madrid without their top candidate.

A Call from Ancelotti

As Real Madrid scrambled to find a suitable replacement, José Ángel Sánchez, the club’s general manager, received an unexpected phone call from Carlo Ancelotti. At the time, Ancelotti was managing Everton in the Premier League and was inquiring about potential player transfers from Real Madrid to bolster his squad at Goodison Park.

During the conversation, Sánchez mentioned that Real Madrid was in the process of searching for a new head coach and that transfer decisions would be delayed until a new manager was appointed. Seizing the moment, Sánchez asked Ancelotti a probing question: “How are you finding life in Liverpool? Would you consider coming back to Madrid?”

Ancelotti’s response was calm and measured. He expressed his interest but made it clear that the final decision would rest with Florentino Pérez. Understanding the importance of Pérez’s approval, Ancelotti left the door open for further discussions.

Florentino Pérez Makes the Call

Minutes after speaking with Sánchez, Ancelotti received a phone call from Florentino Pérez himself. The Real Madrid president wasted no time in making his intentions clear. With Pérez’s personal assurance, Ancelotti’s return to the Bernabéu was all but confirmed.

However, there was one obstacle: Ancelotti was still under contract with Everton. To facilitate his departure, Ancelotti personally contributed to the release clause, accelerating negotiations and ensuring a smooth exit. On June 1, 2021, Everton officially announced Ancelotti’s departure, and shortly thereafter, Real Madrid confirmed his return.

The Second Chapter: An Era of Dominance

What followed was nothing short of legendary. In just over three years, Ancelotti led Real Madrid to 11 trophies, including La Liga, the Champions League, and the Copa del Rey. His tactical acumen, calm demeanor, and ability to manage star-studded squads have been key to his unparalleled success.

Ancelotti’s gratitude toward Pérez has been evident throughout his tenure. The mutual trust and respect between the two have been instrumental in creating an environment conducive to success.

The Road Ahead

This season, Real Madrid is still in contention for multiple titles, including La Liga, the Champions League, the Spanish Super Cup, the Copa del Rey, and the FIFA Club World Cup. If Ancelotti manages to sweep these competitions, his trophy count with the club could reach an astonishing 20.

Regardless of what lies ahead, Carlo Ancelotti’s legacy at Real Madrid is already secure. His return marked a turning point for the club, and his contributions have written a new chapter in the storied history of Los Blancos.