He is clever, knowing how to deal with Italian prime ministers in the Milan dressing room, Russian oligarchs in London, Qataris in Paris, and now the likes of Florentino Pérez in Madrid. Fans, barring the odd tortellini-taunter, revere Ancelotti for his dignity and his attacking football. Players adore him for his positivity, commitment to good football and wit. He once finally coaxed David Beckham out of a particularly magnificent restaurant in Milan with the threat: “Look, David, if we don’t leave this restaurant right now, I’m going to arrange another Spice Girls reunion tour.” They soon left. He can tease players and they take it as a compliment, coming from such an icon as a player, such a likeable man and inspiring coach.