Derby County manager Paul Clement opens up on Carlo Ancelotti friendship

Former Chelsea, Paris Saint-German and Real Madrid coach Clement is going it alone at Derby

Derby County manager Paul Clement (Getty Images)

Derby County manager Paul Clement says he is ‘privileged’ to have Carlo Ancelotti, his former boss at Real Madrid, among his friendship circle.

The Rams are third in the Championship table, four points off leaders Brighton and Hove Albion, after the 43-year-old swapped the Santiago Bernabéu for the iPro Stadium.

Clement has closely workley with Ancelotti as the Italian’s no.2 at Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Madrid in recent years but is going it alone for the first time with Derby.

“When you’re at previous clubs there are always people you’re more fond of than others,” Clement told BBC Sport.

Paul Clement and Carlo Ancelotti during their spell at Real Madrid (Getty Images)

“I’ve had some relationships with really good players. I’m fortunate enough to be in contact with them still which is nice.

“I’m in regular contact with Carlo. He was a great mentor for me, a fantastic coach to work for over six years. We are close friends now and his experience and friendship is really important to me.”

Speaking exclusively to The Independent last week, Ancelotti said: “I like to speak with them [former players and coaches] and have a good relationship with them, but it doesn’t mean I don’t have to be strong in some aspects of my job. But this is my style and I feel good about it.

“Still, I may be the coach, but others have great experience and knowledge, so it is important to use all of those people to get the right answer and to solve any problems. It is a collective approach. You should work with the staff already at a club, help to develop them and also help the club develop its structure. I have always done this.”