Carlo Ancelotti speaks about Real Madrid, his former players

Carlo Ancelotti is proud of what he achieved during his time with Real Madrid. The Italian coach spoke to MARCA and said that Real Madrid are the favorites to win La Liga this season.

"I have as much affection for Madrid as I do for AC Milan -- I'm a Madridista," said Ancelotti. "They are the favorites, they have spent four years without winning the championship and I think they will focus on this competition this year, so hopefully that gives us [Bayern] more room to win the Champions League!" he added.

"Experience tells me that every self-respecting coach should coach Real Madrid at some point in their life, it's the greatest thing on Earth. It is a very nice, almost unique experience; what happens in Madrid does not happen in any other team."

Ancelotti also said that his second season was Real Madrid was good, even though he ended up leaving the club after failing to conquer a major trophy.

"We changed a very important player like Di Maria and two very good players like James and Kroos arrived, and they performed very well. Our team was more solid during the second season, but we lost five starters when we played Atletico and that cost us. We fought until the end and Madrid decided to change. My departure will not affect what I think about my two years with the club," concluded Ancelotti, who also explained that he is friends with the Real Madrid players he coached two years ago.