Davide Ancelotti Uses Literature to Shape Lille's Coaching Method

Books on literature, philosophy and sports management have become part of Davide Ancelotti's approach to coaching Lille, where the Italian manager applies ideas from different disciplines to player development and dressing-room relationships. In reports published October 13, 2026, Gazzetta dello Sport, Rivista Undici and Il Napolista described how the 37-year-old coach uses reading to prepare motivational speeches, understand individual personalities and communicate footballing ideas.

Ancelotti is in his first season as a European head coach, and Lille's early results have placed the club second in Ligue 1, one point behind league leader Monaco, according to Rivista Undici. His methods extend beyond conventional tactical preparation, incorporating lessons from literature, education and the experiences of successful coaches in other sports.

The manager has a particular appreciation for American authors Ernest Hemingway and John Steinbeck. In comments reported by L'Equipe, Ancelotti identified one of Steinbeck's best-known works as a personal favorite.

"I'm an admirer of Ernest Hemingway, and John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men is a masterpiece," Ancelotti said, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

His interests also include films by Martin Scorsese, Greek mythology and the philosophy of Friedrich Nietzsche. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that Ancelotti speaks five languages and uses his broader intellectual interests to develop ways of motivating players. His approach differs in emphasis from that of his father, Carlo Ancelotti, although both coaches value interpersonal relationships and calm management.

Olivier Giroud, Lille's striker and a player three years older than his coach, has described the manager's preparation and motivational methods. Giroud continues to address Ancelotti formally despite their relatively small age difference.

"Ancelotti is very well prepared and knowledgeable. He puts us in the best possible conditions, motivating us with speeches that also draw on Greek mythology, a subject he is passionate about," Giroud said, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.

Ancelotti's interest in mythology includes Prometheus, the figure who stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity. The coach explained the personal significance of that story in comments cited by Gazzetta dello Sport.

"Because he stole fire from the gods and gave it to humans, and I also appreciate that sensitivity toward humanity," Ancelotti said.

His reading list also includes practical guides to teaching and leadership. The book The Coach's Guide to Teaching, by American education researcher Doug Lemov, occupies a prominent place on his desk at Lille's Luchin training center. Ancelotti uses the material as a reference for communicating instructions and helping players develop.

He also studies the work of Phil Jackson, the former NBA coach who led the Chicago Bulls from 1989 to 1998 and the Los Angeles Lakers during two periods, from 1999 to 2004 and from 2005 to 2011. Jackson's books inform Ancelotti's thinking about leadership, teaching and relationships within a team.

"I believe a coach should teach and leave something of himself behind, both in the game and in human relationships. Sometimes books can help achieve that," Ancelotti said, according to Rivista Undici.

The approach developed further during his time as an assistant to his father at Real Madrid from 2021 to 2025. Ancelotti considered giving books to players Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Junior to establish a more personal connection and encourage greater defensive involvement. The plan was never implemented, according to Rivista Undici and Il Napolista.

"Once you know a player's character, background and circumstances, if he is going through a difficult period, you can think of a book he might read. He might never read it, but it is a good way to connect with your players," Ancelotti said in comments reported by L'Equipe.

His office also displays quotations attributed to Nietzsche and Albert Einstein. The Nietzsche passage comes from Beyond Good and Evil and warns about the danger of becoming like the forces one opposes. The Einstein quotation emphasizes the importance of explaining complicated ideas simply, according to Rivista Undici and Il Napolista.

During his earlier coaching experience at Botafogo, Ancelotti gave books to players, Gazzetta dello Sport reported. At Lille, his collection of coaching manuals, literary classics and philosophical references remains part of his working environment as he develops his first European team as a head coach.