Silver lining for Ancelotti

– Carlo Ancelotti hailed Bayern Munich’s “fantastic” fifth successive Bundesliga title after their 6-0 rout of 10-man Wolfsburg clinched the trophy with three games to spare.

“This Bundesliga season was a fantastic experience,” said Ancelotti, who secured the title in his first year in Germany after victory in Wolfsburg left Bayern 10 points clear of RB Leipzig.

Robert Lewandowski (above) netted twice while David Alaba, Thomas Mueller, Joshua Kimmich and Arjen Robben also scored as Bayern demolished their relegation-threatened opponents at the Volkswagen Arena.

For Ancelotti, 57, it was his 19th trophy won as a manager as he delivered Bayern their 27th league crown – 18 more than any other German club.

The Italian has now lifted league titles in four different countries after winning Serie A with AC Milan, the Premier League with Chelsea, and Ligue 1 with Paris St Germain.

“I am very happy, this win was important. It’s a fantastic experience,” said Ancelotti.

“The team has done a very good job and I would like to thank this fantastic club.

“I am lucky to be here with these great players and the fans who have supported us so fantastically all season.

“Now is the time to celebrate and after that, we will prepare for the new season.”

Despite the title success, Ancelotti knows his first season in Bavaria will be overshadowed by Bayern’s Champions League quarterfinal defeat to Real Madrid and German Cup semifinal loss at home to Borussia Dortmund.

The win is consolation for last Wednesday’s 3-2 cup defeat against Dortmund, which denied Ancelotti the chance of emulating Pep Guardiola with a domestic double in his first season. – AFP