Pepe Reflects on Ancelotti, Ronaldo, and Mourinho

At the Portugal Football Summit, former Real Madrid defender Pepe shared insights on key figures from his illustrious career, including Carlo Ancelotti, Cristiano Ronaldo, José Mourinho, and Xabi Alonso.

Pepe began by discussing Carlo Ancelotti’s potential with the Brazilian national team. Having worked under the Italian manager at Real Madrid, Pepe expressed confidence in Ancelotti’s ability to bring success to Brazil. “I’ve worked with him; he’s a fantastic person. I’m sure he’ll do a great job with Brazil,” Pepe stated. He emphasized that while Brazil boasts some of the world’s best players, they sometimes lack organization. “Football should be more structured, like a university rather than street play. If Ancelotti can instill this structure, he’ll make Brazilians happy,” he added.

Cristiano Ronaldo and José Mourinho

Pepe also touched upon his connection with Cristiano Ronaldo, acknowledging the void his retirement would create for fans worldwide. “It will be strange to turn on the TV and not see his name,” he admitted. The conversation then shifted to José Mourinho’s return to Portugal as Benfica’s head coach. Pepe praised Mourinho’s impressive career and expressed hope for his future involvement with the national team. “His presence will elevate the Portuguese league. I even hope to see him lead our national team one day,” he remarked.

Xabi Alonso Takes on Real Madrid Challenge

Reflecting on his former teammate Xabi Alonso’s new role as Real Madrid’s head coach, Pepe recognized the challenge ahead for the Spaniard. “I played with Xabi; it’s a significant challenge for him to coach Real Madrid, a very demanding club,” Pepe explained. He recalled Alonso’s inquisitive nature during their time under Mourinho: “Xabi constantly asked questions, eager to understand why things were done a certain way.” Pepe concluded with optimism for Alonso’s success, emphasizing the importance of maintaining Real Madrid’s winning tradition.

The insights from Pepe offer a unique perspective on these influential figures in football, highlighting their potential impact on both club and international stages.