Cristiano Ronaldo's Former Coach Wants To Manage Lionel Messi For One Reason

Cristiano Ronaldo’s former Real Madrid coach has revealed one reason why he wants to manage Lionel Messi.

Messi and Ronaldo are both extraordinary players. But through the years, the rivals have proven that they are different types of beasts. Many believe that the Argentine is more of a naturally-gifted talent, while the Portuguese has an unparalleled work ethic. In an attempt to make an accurate comparison between the two, former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who mentored Ronaldo in the Spanish side, said he also wants to manage Messi in the future.

In a recent interview with The Guardian (via Besoccer.com), Ancelotti talked about the greatest players he has managed in the past. To this day, the veteran coach still lauds his former pupil Ronaldo, but there is a player he still hasn’t been able to take charge of – Ronaldo’s ultimate rival, Messi.

While some coaches would aim to handle players like Messi in order to win, the Everton manager had a different goal. According to Ancelotti, it doesn’t matter if they win or not. Instead, he wants to have first-hand knowledge about the Barcelona superstar’s game so he could have the right to compare him to Ronaldo.

"Lionel Messi, even if it were just to compare him with Cristiano Ronaldo," Ancelotti said.

As for players from past eras that he still would want to coach, Ancelotti mentioned Roma legend Francesco Totti.

"Also (Francesco) Totti, I started at Roma and I really like them. He was an idol there,” he added.

Through the years, many have already tried to end the Messi vs. Ronaldo debate. But only a few had the chance to play with them and personally know them as an athlete.

Just recently, retired Portuguese midfielder Anderson Luís de Souza, best known as Deco, described what it was like to rub shoulders with “Leo” and “CR7.” Having played alongside Messi during the formative years of Barcelona and with Ronaldo in the national side, the 42-year-old had a lot to say about his legendary teammates.

According to Deco, Messi and Ronaldo are different. The former is the type of player one can “hardly imagine,” while the latter has impressively improved to become one of the all-time greats.

"Lionel Messi number is something you can hardly imagine, you see someone who defines, who watches as one of the greatest in history. He is a player who will be in memory for life," he said.

“Cristiano Ronaldo is different from Lionel Messi, as a player, but it is impressive how he adapted to his characteristics, little by little he grew up as a player and is one of the best in history,” he continued.