Carlo Ancelotti names the most professional player he's ever coached

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By Duaine Ansong

Published May 6, 2017

Bayern boss Carlo Ancelotti has coached some of football's all-time greatest players, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho

Bayern Munich were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in very controversial circumstances, but last weekend they were crowned German champions for the fifth consecutive year.

The 6-0 demolition of Wolfsburg ensured that Carlo Ancelotti will lift silverware in his first season at the club, and also got the Bavarians their first win in five matches.

Ancelotti's managerial pedigree is clear for all to see, having been in charge of giants like Juventus, AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real before Bayern.

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During that time, he's enjoyed tremendous success and worked with some of the game's greatest stars, from Manchester United's Zlatan Ibrahimovic to Brazilian legend Ronaldinho.

Ahead of Darmstadt's visit to the Allianz Arena later today, the 57-year-old named the man who he feels is the most professional footballer he has ever coached.

Ancelotti names his most professional player

Cristiano Ronaldo is notoriously known for his hard work and dedication to training, however Ancelotti singled out Philipp Lahm as the most professional player he's worked with.

The Italian heaped praise onto the German, saying, via 101greatgoals: "He (Lahm) never complains and has never had a problem. He's a great example for the others.

"He's the most professional player I have ever trained. If I had 20 Philipp Lahm's I would have no problems."

Ancelotti, speaking in anticipation of Lahm's retirement, continued: "A manager is lucky to have a player like Philipp Lahm. We hope to find another."

Legend Lahm

Lahm will call time on a remarkable career at the end of the current campaign, which has included eight Bundesliga titles, the Champions League and the World Cup.

The 33-year-old, capable of playing in central midfield as well as full-back, has made 515 appearances for Munich in addition to his 113 Germany caps.

He retired from international football after lifting the World Cup in 2014, but now the beloved Bayern captain is set for just three more matches before he hangs up his boots for good.

Versatile starlet Joshua Kimmich is widely expected to be the long-term successor to Lahm both at club and international level, but players as gifted and as intelligent as Lahm don't come along to often in a generation.