Davide Ancelotti praises 'incredible' Manuel Pellegrini ahead of Champions League clash
Lille coach Davide Ancelotti has paid tribute to Manuel Pellegrini's career ahead of their Champions League opener against Real Betis.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Author: Anual
Lille head coach Davide Ancelotti has offered high praise for Real Betis manager Manuel Pellegrini ahead of their Champions League league-phase opener on Tuesday. The fixture marks a significant milestone for Davide, as he manages a side in Europe's premier competition for the first time.
Ancelotti reflected on the veteran Chilean manager's longevity and success, noting that he is a source of inspiration for younger coaches.
Manuel Pellegrini doesn't always get the recognition he deserves, because he has had an incredible career and achieved huge success. Those of us who are just starting out, like me, have immense admiration for him. Davide Ancelotti
The Italian tactician also highlighted the tactical discipline of the visitors, noting that Betis are an organised side that is notoriously difficult to break down. For Pellegrini, this match is historic, as he becomes the first manager to lead four different Spanish clubs in the Champions League, marking Betis's return to the competition for the first time since the 2005-06 campaign.
Lille will look to leverage their recent continental momentum, having won their last three Champions League matches against Spanish opposition. The French side will be relying on the experience of veteran striker Olivier Giroud, while Betis will look to the pedigree of midfielder Isco to dictate the tempo and disrupt the hosts' plans on opening night.