Ahead of Everton’s FA Cup clash against Tottenham tonight, Toffees manager Carlo Ancelotti has declared it ‘an honour’ to be compared with his opposite number Jose Mourinho.
Both men have enjoyed fruitful careers in management laden with a wealth of trophies and lock horns for the eighth time tonight.
With both men having seen success across four domestic leagues, Ancelotti’s three Champions League titles outranks Mourinho’s two, although the Portuguese holds twice as many domestic league titles.
Ancelotti believes that a comparison with the Spurs boss in terms of philosophies and playing styles is apt, but did not want too much attention to be paid to it. In comments relayed by Sky Sports, the Italian said:
It is an honour for me to be compared to Jose but we didn’t talk too much about this.
He is focused defensively and offensively like I am. Mourinho’s teams are always in balance, which means they do a good job defensively and offensively.
I don’t know if it is a new style of football but for me to be compared to his style of football is an honour.
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The balance between attack and defence is an integral part of Ancelotti’s approach by his own admission, only further legitimising the comments.
With Ancelotti’s Everton edging a 1-0 win over Spurs on the opening weekend of the season when the managers last met, expect tonight’s FA Cup clash to prove another close-run affair between two illustrious tacticians.
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