Carlo Ancelotti has enjoyed a hugely successful managerial career - so much so that the current Real Madrid schemer makes winning the Champions League seem straightforward.
With four winners' medals in his collection alongside a whole host of other trophies and honours, the Italian has established a reputation as one of the most talented managers in the history of the European game.
However, it is not the pursuit of major successes that Ancelotti finds easy - it is instead managing Real Madrid pair Luka Modric and Toni Kroos. The duo have played a key role in Los Blancos’ terrific run under the former Chelsea boss, whilst they have also been pivotal to the Spanish side's domination of La Liga and the European game over the past decade.
Despite that, Kroos was left out of the Real starting XI for the weekend showdown with Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu ahead of the Spanish side kicking off their latest Champions League venture against Scottish champions Celtic in midweek, whilst Modric was withdrawn as a substitute.
Ancelotti has praised both for their understanding and has claimed that working with the pair has been one of the easiest things that he has had to navigate throughout his long career.
Speaking after the victory over Betis, the Italian said: "The important thing is not how much they [Modric and Kroos] play, but the quality of the minutes.
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"It isn't difficult for me to convince players like Kroos and Modric because they are intelligent and humble.
"They know they are important even if they don't play. Managing them is the easiest thing I've ever had in my career."
The absences of both Kroos and Modric did not hamper Real at all as they continued their perfect start to the new season. Brazilian forward Vinicius Jr gave them the lead in the ninth minute before Sergio Canales equalised just after the quarter of an hour mark.
Rodrygo was on hand to net the winner for Real though with the side now having won each of their opening four matches of the campaign. That leaves Ancelotti's men top of the table and two points clear of rivals Barcelona.
Following their showdown with Celtic in Glasgow on Tuesday evening, they will be aiming to continue their flawless start to the season as they host RCD Mallorca next Sunday.
Ancelotti though is anticipating a testing evening at Celtic Park. He continued: "We don't have to focus on the individual but on the team.
"They play very intense, they've had a great start to the season and there will be a great atmosphere in their stadium. We are delighted to go and play there. It will be difficult for both teams."
