Everton managers have long been under scrutiny for their alleged ties to Liverpool, with past accusations based on little more than symbolic gestures. Ronald Koeman, for example, faced criticism due to a set of red Christmas tree decorations, seemingly enough to ignite speculation about his loyalties. But Carlo Ancelotti’s connection to Liverpool goes beyond mere speculation—his past is laden with more tangible evidence of admiration for the Reds.
Interestingly, Ancelotti’s tactical legacy with AC Milan also has ties to Liverpool, albeit in a less direct manner. The 2006/07 Milan side, led by the Italian coach, famously used a 4-3-2-1 formation that was dubbed the “Christmas tree” by pundits. That formation helped Milan clinch a Champions League victory over Rafa Benitez’s Liverpool, just two years after the Reds had triumphed in their own Istanbul miracle.
Few, however, would have anticipated that Ancelotti would one day find himself in the blue corner of the city, managing Everton. His eventual departure from Goodison Park seemed surreal at the time, particularly given his swift move to Real Madrid. But Ancelotti’s path to the Merseyside derby was a long one, and he remains a figure tied to both clubs due to the respect he holds for Liverpool.
Ancelotti’s tenure at Real Madrid is under increasing scrutiny. With the team trailing Barcelona in La Liga and facing the possibility of elimination from the Champions League at the hands of Arsenal, questions are being raised about his future in Madrid. Speculation has already started linking Real Madrid with a potential managerial change at the end of the season, with former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso emerging as a possible successor.
Despite his uncertain future at Madrid, Ancelotti’s reputation as one of the greatest managers in football history is secure. His numerous trophies across multiple top clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, and Real Madrid, stand as testament to his coaching prowess. However, there’s one “what if” moment that continues to linger—his near appointment as Liverpool manager in 2015.
Following Brendan Rodgers’ dismissal, Liverpool’s ownership had narrowed their managerial search down to two top candidates: Ancelotti and Jurgen Klopp. Ancelotti, with his wealth of experience and trophy-laden career, seemed like the logical choice. Klopp, at the time, was coming off a disappointing season with Borussia Dortmund, and many believed he wasn’t the immediate fix Liverpool needed. But FSG, Liverpool’s owners, placed their trust in data and analytics, ultimately choosing Klopp for the job.
As we all know, Klopp’s arrival in Liverpool changed the club’s fortunes. His leadership guided Liverpool to the pinnacle of European football, winning the Champions League in 2019 and the Premier League title in 2020. Ancelotti, on the other hand, was appointed by Bayern Munich to replace Pep Guardiola. Although he moved on to great success, Ancelotti has never forgotten his desire to manage Liverpool.
“My dream was to coach Liverpool,” Ancelotti admitted in a recent interview with Goal. “But then I found myself at Everton and I experienced their rivalry, and now I am absolutely an Everton fan. I really liked the environment, because there is a spectacular passion for the colors. You also notice the suffering that the fan has for Liverpool, which for many years and still today is the best in the Premier League.”
While Ancelotti expresses admiration for Liverpool, he has made it clear that Everton holds a special place in his heart. His comments reflect the complex relationship between the two clubs, and the emotional attachment he developed during his time at Goodison Park. Ancelotti’s praise for Liverpool, however, speaks volumes about his respect for the Reds and their success. It’s hard to deny that, deep down, his “Liverpool dream” may still live on—though he would likely never admit it publicly, especially out of respect to his Everton connections.
But with Liverpool’s focus on finding the right long-term manager, Ancelotti’s time as a potential candidate seems to have passed. The club has already moved on, and with Arne Slot’s rising profile, the data-driven approach will likely steer them towards another appointment that fits their vision—one similar to the decision made when Klopp was chosen over Ancelotti in 2015.
Though Ancelotti’s dream of managing Liverpool may have faded, his legacy remains intertwined with the club’s Champions League history, especially after the 2022 final. Both Ancelotti and Liverpool share a mutual respect, with the coach’s admiration for the Reds’ success never in doubt. It’s clear that, despite his Everton connection, the Italian tactician will always hold Liverpool in high regard, and perhaps, in some quiet corner of his mind, still wonder about what could have been.