Ancelotti: Ronaldo the best player I've ever coached
The Italian has worked with some of the top talents in world football over the past decades but he says nobody compares to the Portugal international
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has lauded Cristiano Ronaldo as the best player that he has ever coached.
The Italian has worked with some of the game's top talents during a 19-year coaching career that has taken in stints at some of Europe's elite clubs, including Juventus, AC Milan and Chelsea.
However, Ancelotti says that he has never come across anyone like Ronaldo, who has netted 265 goals in 255 appearances for Madrid in all competitions.
"No disrespect to anyone else, but Cristiano is the best I've ever coached," he told reporters on Tuesday.
Ancelotti was speaking on the eve of Madrid's Champions League clash with Ludogorets.
The European Cup holders are the overwhelming favourites to triumph in Razgrad but the 55-year-old is taking nothing for granted against the Bulgarians, who impressed in their unlucky 2-1 loss to Liverpool on the opening matchday.
"In this competition, I don't think that there are any minnows," Ancelotti reasoned.
"We know how difficult it will be to play Ludogorets. They played a great game at Anfield.
"They are a dynamic team that plays with a lot of intensity."
Ancelotti also revealed that he could recall defender Pepe for the Group B clash.
"He is available to play tomorrow [Wednesday]. We'll see if I put him in from the start.
"I have to decide whether to break up the central defensive partnership of Sergio Ramos and Raphael Varane."
