Ancelotti: "I accepted Alonso's departure because we had Kroos"

Carlo Ancelotti has discussed his two seasons with Real Madrid speaking to AS.

"Florentino asked me about Alonso's departure. It was Alonso's decision, he wanted to leave and enjoy a new experience. I accepted it 100% because we had Kroos. They are different players, Kroos a bit more attacking-minded, but the way I understand football he is a player who can perform very well deep in the midfield," says Ancelotti.

"I spent two wonderful years in Madrid, with wonderful people, but now it's time to live a new experience and a new culture here in Germany. I felt very comfortable working with Cristiano, he helped a lot when we won the Champions League. However, he is now one of our opponents. Madrid had a very strong squad with Cristiano, Ramos, Alonso, Kroos, Modric, Benzema, and now I have a different squad but the work we do is the same and my goal is to have a good relationship with the players, whether they are Lewandowski or Cristiano doesn't matter," he added.

Ancelotti's Bayern are one of the favorites to conquer the Champions League title this season after falling short three straight years under Pep Guardiola.