Former Chelsea defender, Branislav Ivanovic, has claimed most players would rather spend their careers under Carlo Ancelotti than Jose Mourinho.
Ivanovic played under both managers during his nine-year spell at Stamford Bridge, where he made 377 appearances and won every domestic and European trophy.
The Serbia international was Chelsea’s first-choice right-back for seven years, but lost his place under Antonio Conte this season. He completed a move to Zenit St Petersburg last week.
Ivanovic, whose dip in form came after Mourinho was sacked by the Blues for a second title, insists the Portuguese remains an exceptional coach.
“They call Mourinho the Special One, and I think he is,” Ivanovic told Sport Express.
“If you win, his trust knows no bounds. He will make you fulfil the potential you were not even aware of.
“Training was unique under Mourinho. He sometimes plays mind games with the press, but when it comes to the most important things, the matches themselves, he is always very serious. If you want to play for Mourinho, you have to follow his demands.
“Mourinho helps to develop the best qualities – professional and personal. You can’t be indifferent to him. You either love him or hate him. That’s what makes him special. I am glad that I had a chance to work with him.
“Ancelotti is very different. If players had a choice, I guess they would prefer to spend the entire career with Carlo. He is very calm and takes all the negative aspects on him, allowing the players to be comfortable. The results are equally good with both coaches.”
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