Ancelotti reveals humble farm roots in candid podcast chat
Carlo Ancelotti, 67, the current coach of Brasil, sat down with presenter Giacomo Poretti for a candid interview on the Italian podcast PoretCast, offering an intimate look at the rural upbringing that shaped his leadership.
Childhood and Family Roots
During the third season of PoretCast, the Reggiolo‑born tactician reminisced about growing up in a modest Emilia farm house, surrounded by his close‑knit family.
He explained the origin of his name, saying, "I am called Carlo because my grandfather was called Carlín because he was very small," and described a household of six: his sister, father, mother, grandmother, grandfather and himself.
"My dad was a farmer and my mom was his assistant in the field and of my grandmother in the kitchen. We were a family of six," Ancelotti recalled, highlighting the simple, hard‑working environment of his youth.
His mother opposed his football ambitions, fearing injury. "My mother didn't want me to play football, imagine… she was afraid it would hurt me," he said, adding that when he eventually got injured she warned, "I told you so."
Values Shaping His Coaching
As a player under Arrigo Sacchi, Ancelotti endured a demanding five‑week preparation that led to severe weight loss; his mother did not recognize him on his return, exclaiming, "But who are you?"
She quickly remedied the situation with a home‑cooked meal, declaring, "No, no, come here, now I will get you back in shape: lasagna, tortellini and that's it."
He links his conciliatory coaching style to those early lessons, stating, "Respect for the person comes from all the teachings I have received in my family: my dad, my mom… a deep respect for the person."
With his parents now deceased, Ancelotti says he feels a spiritual presence guiding him: "I also think someone is watching us… thinking that someone is watching us is a positive vigilance that helps you do things right, to be a good person."
Europa Press first reported the interview, introducing him as "El actual seleccionador de Brasil" and underscoring the lasting impact of his humble origins on his modern football philosophy.