Carlo Ancelotti was dismissed by Bayern Munich this week. Where next for the three-time Champions League winner?
After being dismissed by Bayern Munich following a humbling 3-0 defeat at Paris Saint-Germain, Carlo Ancelotti finds himself without a club. With much still to offer, what better way for the legendary Italian to enhance his resume than a stint in MLS?
The Italian journeyman has been associated with and has had tremendous success managing Europe’s top clubs, building one of the most impressive coaching resumes in the world. Ancelotti was the superstar coach before Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola burst onto the scene.
After making his name at Milan, where he coached for eight years, winning two Champions Leagues and one league title, Ancelotti went on to Chelsea, where he won the Premier League and FA Cup, then on to PSG, Real Madrid and finally Bayern Munich. He’s the only coach to win all the major European leagues (Italy, England, Spain, Germany, France). Such an incredible feat will be tough, if not impossible, to beat. So what’s next for the great Italian manager?
The answer is staring us in the face: in spite of his incredibly impressive resume, Ancelotti is missing the MLS Cup and the Supporters’ Shield from his list of achievements. Time to cross the pond, Carletto. If you can make it here, you can make it anywhere. It’s up to you.
A man on the wrong side of 50 must be pondering a path to retirement. A man whose training methods lay somewhere between a strong NCAA program and a mid-table MLS team would fit in seamlessly in North American soccer.
A cosmopolitan destination is in order for a man of Ancelotti’s pedigree. After carousing in places like London, Paris and Milan, a natural progression can only lead Ancelotti to New York City or Los Angeles.
Next: 25 best club soccer teams of all time
The Red Bulls are ripe for a breath of fresh air and a touch of Italian sophistication. North Jersey features the best traditional Italian cuisine this side of the Dolomites. Patrick Vieira has NYCFC on the right path, but it’s clear as day the Frenchman has his sights set on Europe as his next gig.
Sitting in the dugout of the most successful franchise in American sports (the Yankees, not the FC) would carry a sense of history and prestige unlike any other. Any New Yorker knows Arthur Avenue in the Bronx is the real Little Italy, and captures old-school Italian authenticity like no other place. Come home, Carletto. Vieni a casa. Plus, Andrea Pirlo needs a wine tasting buddy. He looks lost and lonely of late, and would benefit from your presence.
Another potential destination, Los Angeles, has the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, sunshine and perfect weather for tanning, training and relaxing all year round. The Galaxy are in disarray at the moment and only a man with your experience can right the ship. You want a real challenge at this point in your glorious career? Show those LAFC neophytes the Galaxy are still running these streets, from Carson to Beverly Hills. All those Champions League titles would pale if you make the Galaxy great again.
Sorry Carlo, Miami doesn’t have an MLS franchise yet. Hopefully soon. However, there’s nothing stopping you from signing a preliminary agreement to manage the team once a deal is in place.
You’re clearly a man of the world, Carlo, but you still need America to complete your incredible journey. Almost as much as America and MLS need you.