Carlo Ancelotti has backed a claim made by Wayne Rooney about one of Chelsea’s greatest players.
The Brazil manager, who is in London ahead of Thursday’s friendly at the Maracanã Stadium, sat down with Gary Lineker to look back on his time in European football.
He was asked about the best players he’s managed and gave an answer that echoed something Rooney said about a Chelsea legend.
“John Terry. Defensively, probably the best centre-half we’ve seen in the Champions League era,” he said. Ancelotti seemed to agree with him as well. Even though he didn’t explicitly say it, his comments hinted at the same view. He listed off several big names like Paolo Maldini and Thiago Silva but singled out Terry as “the guy who really surprised me.”
Carlo Ancelotti shares his admiration for John Terry
Ancelotti’s connection to the club hasn’t faded in the years since he left. He still keeps an eye on how things are going at Stamford Bridge, and he’s thrown his support behind Maresca, who has returned the favour in kind.
Maresca has spoken highly of Ancelotti, calling him a “fantastic manager” and someone who’s had a big influence on his own approach.
When Lineker asked about the best players he’s worked with, it was clear that even though his time at Chelsea was brief compared to other stops in his career, it left a lasting impression.
He began by naming the former Blues captain as one of his top defenders. “I have my heart for John Terry. He was so good,” he said.
“I had Alex Carvalho. I had Jap Stam, Paolo Maldini, [Alessandro] Nesta, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, [Raphael] Varane. Unbelievable.”
Every player mentioned is a legend in their own right but there’s no doubt Ancelotti holds Terry in especially high regard.
Ancelotti also highlights Chelsea midfielders
Ancelotti, who is now managing the Brazil national team, still seems to have a soft spot for the Blues, even though he left Stamford Bridge over 14 years ago.
He hasn’t lost touch with what’s going on at the club either. Ancelotti has given his support to Maresca and received praise in return from his fellow Italian. Maresca described him as a fantastic manager.
Speaking to Lineker about some of the best players he’s coached, Ancelotti mentioned that despite spells at AC Milan, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich and PSG, his time at Chelsea clearly left a mark.
Ancelotti began by naming the former Blues captain among his favourite defenders: “I have my heart for John Terry. He was so good.”
READ MORE: Andy Burnham points out key feature Everton’s new stadium has that Tottenham’s lacks
“I had Alex Carvalho. I had Jap Stam, Paolo Maldini, [Alessandro] Nesta, Sergio Ramos, Pepe, [Raphael] Varane. Unbelievable.” All legends in their own right but John Terry holds a special place in Don Carlo’s list of icons.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
