Ancelotti's 4-3-3

Carlo Ancelotti is a coach who likes to use the 4-3-3 formation and that is what he will do when he manages Real Madrid. The Italian is not a man with fixed ideas. He adapts to the group of players he has at his disposal and looks to mix things up. But he believes the 4-3-3 is essential to his success.



Ancelotti has achieved his greatest triumphs using the system and has used the formation in all the teams he has been at. When he has been forced into changing it, it has been down to injuries and suspensions throughout the season, or because he feels that certain players can offer more in other positions.

Ancelotti used the system to win the Champions League with AC Milan on two occasions, as well as league titles in Italy, England and France.

In the 2002-03 season, Ancelotti led Milan to the Champions League trophy against Juventus at Old Trafford. The line-up included a centre-midfielder trio of Seedorf, Pirlo and Gattuso with Rui Costa, Inzaghi and Shevchenko in attack. The same team went on to win the 'Scudetto' the following season.

At Real Madrid, Khedira could be considered Ancelotti's Gattuso, Xabi Alonso his Pirlo and Modric his Seedorf. The three centre-midfielders would give the team balance, holding it together and providing balance between defence and attack. Cristiano Ronaldo would play as one of the strikers.