Carlo Ancelotti advising as Davide’s Lille lead Ligue 1

Carlo Ancelotti has stepped out of the dugout at Real Madrid and into the role of head coach of the Brazil national team, but his influence is still visible on the touchlines elsewhere — notably at Lille, where his son Davide is leading the French side.

Father's advice behind the scenes

Ancelotti remains one of football’s most decorated managers, with a trophy cabinet counting over 30 medals in his managerial career. After moving from Real Madrid to take charge of Brazil — a tenure that did not bring major success at the last World Cup — he is widely viewed by the Brazilian federation as the man to steer the Seleção back toward their ambitions.

Meanwhile Davide Ancelotti, who more often served as his father's assistant throughout their careers (with the exception of a spell at Botafogo), is now the head coach at Lille and has made a strong start to the season.

Lille recorded three wins and one draw in their first four rounds of Ligue 1, and suffered a defeat to Betis after a comeback in the Champions League. Those results have heightened attention on the young coach, whose father has been a regular voice in post-match conversations.

"Yes, my father calls me after every match to talk about it. It's routine," said Davide Ancelotti.

Carlo was spotted in the stands at Stade Pierre-Mauroy for the clash against Paris Saint-Germain a few weeks ago, and the image of the veteran coach advising his son has prompted light-hearted comments that Lille effectively has one of the greatest football experts of all time acting as an assistant.

For now, Lille sit at the top of the Ligue 1 table, even as Paris Saint-Germain remain clear favorites for the title. The season is early, but the father-and-son dynamic is drawing headlines as both continue their separate projects.

Photo: press material from the event