Parma, and Tanzi, were a learning experience for Ancelotti — it is not difficult to trace the roots of his definition of management to those early days. His job was simply to find a way of winning, not just in the cause of getting the most out of his players, but to meet the insatiable demands of those above him for as long as possible, too.

Manager Carlo Ancelotti said Manchester City was the worst possible rival Real Madrid could have been drawn against in the Champions League playoff and described the preparation process for the showdown as a nightmare.