[attach id=238613 size="medium"]Carlo Ancelotti is leading Paris St Germain’s charge for domestic and European success this season.[/attach]
A couple of weeks ago, we talked about Roberto Mancini and his exploits in the English Premier League.
Another Italian coach leaving his mark on the continent this season is Carlo Ancelotti who decided to extend his self-imposed exile from the Italian Serie A by joining France’s sleeping giants Paris SG six months after having got sacked by Chelsea in May 2011.
Paris SG hired Ancelotti with the sole intention of helping them win their first Ligue 1 title since 1994 and, subsequently, to transform the side into a force to be reckoned with in Europe.
However, by the end of the 2011/12 season, the 53-year-old Ancelotti could only lead the Parisiens to a runners-up position behind Montpellier who claimed the top spot against the odds.
This was a huge blow for the ex-Parma, Juventus and Milan coach who had taken over at the Parc des Princes from Antoine Kombouare at a time when they were leading the Ligue 1 standings.
Nonetheless, Ancelotti’s job was never in jeopardy as Paris SG opted for continuity.
A busy summer followed and the club, bankrolled by Qatar Investment Authority, signed Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Thiago Silva (both Milan), Marco Verratti (Pescara), Ezequiel Lavezzi (Napoli) and Lucas (Sao Paulo) in their bid to become kings of France.
Like other major leagues in Europe, the Ligue 1 is now entering a very crucial phase.
In fact, with 12 matches to go, Paris SG, who added ex-England captain David Beckham as a free agent during the January transfer window, lead the standings with just three points over nearest pursuers Lyon.
In view of the huge investments made this season, it is unthinkable for PSG to fail in their mission and end a 19-year wait for their first championship.
If they are crowned champions, it will be Ancelotti’s third domestic title as a manager after leading Milan to the scudetto in 2003/04 and Chelsea to their fourth Premier League title six years later.
PSG may be leading the Ligue 1 table but they are not dominating the championship as many had predicted in summer.
The same, however, cannot be said of their performance in the Champions League.
In the qualifying stage, Paris SG, who were in Group A with Porto, Dynamo Kiev and Dynamo Zagreb, collected the highest number of points – 15 in six games.
Moreover, earlier this month they made a giant step towards booking a quarter-final berth following a 2-1 away win over Valencia in a Last 16 first leg in Spain.
Ancelotti led Milan to two Champions League triumphs in 2003 and 2007 and a runners-up spot in the same competition in season 2005.
Many contend his sides perform better on the continent rather than domestic competitions.
Ancelotti is one of only six men to have won the Champions League both as a player and coach. It seems he values the cup more than domestic league achievements.
As a matter of fact, his official autobiography, published in May 2009, is titled “Preferisco la Coppa” (I Prefer the Cup).
Tonight, Paris SG will host Marseille at their own Parc des Princes in a crucial Last 16 French Cup tie.
On Sunday, they cruised to a comfortable 2-0 home win over rivals OM with Beckham making his first official showing for the Parisiens.
This season could represent Ancelotti’s last chance to help PSG end their Ligue 1 drought because the Reggiolo-born coach is among the front-runners to replace Jose Mourinho at Real Madrid if the Portuguese quits in the summer.
Whatever happens from now till the end of the season, one thing should be clear for PSG – prospective Champions League success should not undermine their quest for domestic honours.