Sacchi has one Milan hope against Madrid, reveals Ancelotti’s recent calls

FLORENCE, ITALY – JANUARY 19: (L-R) Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti and Arrigo Sacchi attend the Italian Football Federation Hall of Fame Award ceremony at Palazzo Vecchio on January 19, 2015 in Florence, Italy. (Photo by Paolo Bruno/Getty Images)

Former Milan coach Arrigo Sacchi hopes Rossoneri players are aware of the club’s history in a Champions League game against Real Madrid and reveals Carlo Ancelotti has called him ‘at least seven times’ in recent days.

Milan visit Real Madrid in a key Champions League game this evening.

The Rossoneri have earned just three points in the opening three European games of the season.

This evening’s fixture also marks a reunion between Milan and their legend, Ancelotti, a former midfielder and coach at San Siro.

The Italian tactician played 142 games under Sacchi during his playing career.

“Carlo is an adorable man. These days, he has called me at least seven times,” Sacchi revealed in his latest interview with La Gazzetta dello Sport.

“He is intelligent and humble, two qualities that always come together. He was the first player I asked Berlusconi [to sign]but he was hesitant. Milan had just finished fifth and offered no guarantees. I told him that, with him, we would win the title straight away. And it happened.”

Sacchi has one Milan hope against Madrid, reveals Ancelotti’s recent calls

Milan are not the favourite against Real Madrid this evening.

“I hope all players know Milan’s history, which is written in history books,” said Sacchi.

“With its style and vision, the club comes before the team and any player. It all starts from here.”

This also applies to Rafael Leao, who will start against Real Madrid this evening but was benched by Paulo Fonseca in the three most recent Serie A matches.

“I can only say that I treated all players the same way,” said Sacchi.

“Obviously, Van Basten was the best but I never accepted any compromise. If I have to pick between a good and a reliable player, I always get the second one. I only hope Fonseca knew the players he chose in the summer, not only technically but also mentally. Without chemistry, he will never have a valuable team.”