Football • 1d ago
‘Despite being a legend, Zidane showed humility. He was different from the rest – and he was our coach. We were fortunate’ Marcelo opens up on what his best Real Madrid managers brought to the club
Title: 'Zidane: Our Humble Legend' - Marcelo Praises the Former Real Madrid Coach, Reveals What Made Him Stand Out
In an exclusive interview with FourFourTwo, Brazilian legend Marcelo opened up on the qualities that made Zinedine Zidane, his former coach at Real Madrid, stand out from the rest. Marcelo spent 15 years at the Bernabeu, playing under some of the greatest managers in football history, including Jose Mourinho and Carlo Ancelotti. However, it was Zidane who left a lasting impression on him.
Marcelo, now 37 years old, reminisced about his time under Mourinho, who arrived at the Bernabeu in 2010. The Portuguese manager's strengths lay in his ability to change players' mindsets and convince them to achieve the impossible. "He was capable of changing your way of thinking," Marcelo said. "Even if you believed you weren't going to achieve something, Mourinho had the power to convince you of the opposite."
However, Marcelo noted that Zidane was different from the rest. The French legend, who managed Real Madrid for three seasons, brought humility and a unique approach to the role. "Zidane was a legend, but he showed humility. He was different from the rest," Marcelo said. "We were fortunate to have him as our coach."
Marcelo also praised Carlo Ancelotti, who managed Real Madrid for two spells, for his emotional intelligence and ability to inspire his players. "Carlo is a wise man who understands football and people," Marcelo said. "Nothing he does is down to chance. He's a master tactician, but he also knows how to connect with his players."
Marcelo's comments on Zidane and Ancelotti serve as a testament to the impact these managers had on his career and the club. As a player who won six La Liga titles and five Champions Leagues during his time at Real Madrid, Marcelo understands the importance of having the right coach at the helm.
In Nigeria, we know the importance of having a good coach in football, and Marcelo's comments on Zidane and Ancelotti offer valuable insights into what makes a great manager. Whether it's the ability to inspire players or the capacity to change their mindset, a good coach can make all the difference in a player's career and the team's success.