Ancelotti worked with Zizou in his father Carlo's first spell in charge of Real.
He told L'Equipe: "I remember that Zidane already had a hard time transmitting his messages. He is reserved so he didn't speak much, but his words reached the players perfectly.
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"There was also his humility. This humble side makes him greater. Afterwards, winning three Champions Leagues in a row isn't easy. I really liked his character. Like my father, he has the ability to create a good environment around him."
On his father, Ancelotti also says: "He has been training and adapting for 30 years. He knew how to integrate young people into his squad (Francesco Mauri, also an assistant, 35 years old).
"Our role is quite simple: challenge him, challenge him... I think he needs it."