Ukraine icon Andriy Shevchenko has played under some of the most iconic managers in the history of the beautiful game, from Carlo Ancelotti at Milan to Jose Mourinho at Chelsea. However, the former Genoa coach has named former Dynamo Kyiv coach Valeriy Lobanovskyi as the his most inspiring manager and role model.
Speaking exclusively to Mail Sport at an event in Istanbul, the Rossoneri icon revealed the Soviet tactician as his number one.
“The coach who inspired me the most is Valeriy Lobanovskyi who was the coach of Dynamo Kyiv. He’s a legend for Ukraine and a legend in world football. He brought discipline to my life, helping me understand that I am a role model, football players are very important figures in society. I understand the responsibility not only for myself, but the image I represent for the country and the club.”
The 2004 Ballon d’Or winner then reserved praise for Carlo Ancelotti.
“He’s a very nice and inspiring person, very charismatic and has a great relationship with the players, he’s amazing in the dressing room and creates a very good environment and chemistry with the team. I learnt a lot about his style in dealing with the staff and how he motivated the players. Sometimes his role was to calm the players in a very difficult emotional moment, he’s a great human being and a great coach.”
Shevchenko rose through the ranks of Dynamo Kyiv under Lobanovskyi, before etching himself into folklore at Milan under Ancelotti.
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