Carlo Ancelotti, head coach of Real Madrid, shared insights on his management style during team camps, emphasizing the balance between discipline and allowing his players "plenty of freedom." Speaking on Saturday ahead of the Spanish Super Cup Final against FC Barcelona, Ancelotti, in a lighthearted manner, admitted he neither knows nor wants to know what his players do in their hotel rooms, as long as they adhere to the team’s rules.

A Trusting Environment in Training Camps

Ahead of Sunday’s Clásico at the King Abdullah Stadium in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, Ancelotti highlighted the camaraderie within the squad despite spending extensive time together during the season.

“I give the players plenty of freedom. The video sessions don’t last more than fifteen minutes. They have fun together, and there’s a great atmosphere among them. I don’t know what they do in their rooms, and I don’t want to know,” the Italian coach said with a smile.

This philosophy fosters a relaxed and trusting environment, which Ancelotti believes contributes to the team’s cohesion and overall success.

Punctuality: A Key to Success

While valuing trust, Ancelotti stressed the importance of discipline, particularly regarding punctuality. When asked about Barcelona goalkeeper Iñaki Peña, who was benched in the semifinal against Athletic Club for arriving late to a session, Ancelotti was unequivocal:

“Punctuality is important, and players must be disciplined. It’s not ideal for the entire group to be kept waiting. When a player is late, they explain what happened. If the reason is acceptable, that’s fine. If it’s not, then we take action.”

This combination of granting freedom while enforcing clear rules has been a hallmark of Ancelotti’s successful managerial career, enabling him to build teams with both unity and accountability.