Ancelotti: We won’t rest on our laurels

The acclamation for Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has been loud and unanimous through recent weeks, with most Blancos directors, fans, players and pundits conveniently forgetting their regular misgivings about the Italian throughout an ultimately historic 12 months.

Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Copa Libertadores winners San Lorenzo of Argentina in the pre-Christmas Club World Cup final made 2014 the most successful in the club’s 112 year past — with the Copa Del Rey, Champions League and European Supercup having already been secured.

The fourth trophy was not the most prestigious, but did adorn a phenomenal run of 22 consecutive victories in all competitions, meaning Madrid have won each and every game they have played since late September.