Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti jokes he wants his players to call him 'doctor' as he receives an honorary degree... as university rector seemingly announces his Los Blancos departure in 2024!
- Carlo Ancelotti received an honourary degree from the University of Parma
- A University rector seemingly confirmed that Ancelotti would take over Brazil
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport's podcast 'It's All Kicking Off!'
Carlo Ancelotti received an honourary doctorate in Parma on Wednesday, and joked he wants his players to start using his new title.
The Real Madrid boss was in Parma - where his coaching career really took off - where he was awarded a doctorate in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activity.
Ancelotti was not the only esteemed guest in the room from the world of football, with fellow Italian managerial great Arrigo Sacchi also in attendance for the Real boss' speech.
The four-time Champions League winner cut a curious visage, in the traditional furry red-and-white gown and hat that is at a stark contrast to his regular look in a simple suit and tie on the touchline.
After delivering a speech titled 'Football, a way of life', he was treated to rapturous applause from the room, before going on to thank his friends and family.
![Carlo Ancelotti received an honourary degree in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activity](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/11/18/76439539-0-image-a-1_1697046556263.jpg)
Carlo Ancelotti received an honourary degree in Sciences and Techniques of Preventive and Adapted Motor Activity
![The 64-year-old joked that he wanted his players to start calling him 'doctor' at Real Madrid](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/11/18/76439541-0-image-a-2_1697046585053.jpg)
The 64-year-old joked that he wanted his players to start calling him 'doctor' at Real Madrid
![The Italian is the most highly-decorated manager in the history of the Champions League with four titles](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/11/18/76439537-0-image-a-3_1697046618628.jpg)
The Italian is the most highly-decorated manager in the history of the Champions League with four titles
During the speech, he spoke of his managerial technique, laying emphasis on the importance of helping to nurture the personalities of his charges that possess undeniable talent.
'I will tell my players to call me Doctor from now on,' he began. 'I come from a family that is genetically predisposed to strong emotion, so it is natural I react this way.'
'You cannot train Diego Maradona to dribble better. That is genetic. What you can do with talented players is help them remember the importance of altruism. That is what differentiates a great player from a champion.
'Football helped me improve my relationship with others, learn respect for the rules, for your opponents and your team-mates.
'Being a coach above all means knowing how to listen to others, your collaborators and players, then make your own decisions.
'I try to transmit my ideas via persuasion, not by forcing them upon others. I am calm, very patient, and above all I am fortunate to be supported by a great passion for this sport. It is a passion I had at the age of 15 and I still have today.'
Ancelotti's future is a topic that has come in for plenty of scrutiny in recent months, with the Italian's contract at Real Madrid up at the end of the current campaign.
The majority of reports had linked him with the Brazil job at the expiration of his deal, although a formal confirmation is still yet to come, although the Brazilian FA chief went as far as to state that Ancelotti would take over.
![He picked up the honourary degree from the University of Parma - where his coaching career really took off](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/11/18/76439773-0-image-a-4_1697047025812.jpg)
He picked up the honourary degree from the University of Parma - where his coaching career really took off
![He delivered a speech titled 'Football, a way of life' in which he spoke of the importance of nurturing players' mentalities and personalities](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2023/10/11/18/76439771-0-image-a-5_1697047053299.jpg)
He delivered a speech titled 'Football, a way of life' in which he spoke of the importance of nurturing players' mentalities and personalities
Fernando Diniz signed a one-year deal as interim manager until summer 2024, while he simultaneously coaches Fluminense.
Parma University rector Paolo Andrei seemed to accidentally confirm the news, however, when giving a speech on Wednesday at the same ceremony and stating that Ancelotti will be joining Brazil next summer.
'In 2024, Carlo Ancelotti awaits an extraordinary adventure that for many coaches would be just a dream: the bench of Brazil. He is the first foreigner in the last sixty years to lead the team, and only the fourth in its history. The admiration we feel for him is widespread and goes beyond any boundary or square.
'It is a great honour and a great joy for us and we are very grateful to Carlo Ancelotti for accepting this award. Ancelotti is a true ambassador of our country and our region in the world, and the fact that he has been able to succeed in such different realities makes him a true legend.'
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