Former Ballon d’Or winner Ruud Gullit believes Carlo Ancelotti is a better manager than Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola.

Ferguson and Guardiola are widely considered to be two of the greatest managers of all time after winning 18 Premier League titles and the Champions League five times between them.

But Ancelotti is the only man to win all five major European leagues and has won the Champions League on four occasions – more than anyone else.

Gullit feels Ancelotti’s success in Europe makes the Real Madrid manager, who was also his team-mate at AC Milan as a player, the best of the lot.

‘I think Ancelotti is a bit bigger than Sir Alex and Pep due to the Champions Leagues he’s won! He’s top-notch, and he’s the king of European success,’ Gullit told Gambling Zone, as quoted by Football Italia.

Ruud Gullit thinks Carlo Ancelotti deserves to be ranked above Sir Alex Ferguson and Pep Guardiola

Sir Alex Ferguson (left) and Pep Guardiola (right) have 18 Premier League titles between them, but Gullit still thinks Ancelotti is better than them

Gullit feels Ancelotti’s success in Europe makes him the gold standard when it comes to managers

‘Both Pep and Sir Alex are a part of history, but let’s look at what Ancelotti has achieved. He’s the king of kings, better than anyone else, and I’m very proud of him.’

The group stage of the Champions League concludes this week, with two of Gullit’s former clubs, Newcastle and AC Milan, facing each other at St James’ Park.

Both teams still have a chance of qualifying for the knockout rounds, but are relying on PSG slipping up against Borussia Dortmund.

Gullit admits he has some sympathy for the Magpies after they were denied a famous victory in Paris in their latest European outing by a controversial stoppage-time penalty.

But there are no split loyalties when it comes to Wednesday’s clash, with Gullit backing Milan to come out on top.

‘I feel so sorry for Newcastle – the decision was unbelievable. I think they deserve something out of the Champions League,” said Gullit when reflecting on the penalty decision at the Parc des Princes.

‘Milan is, of course, my team. I hope they get a result. I don’t know what will happen between Newcastle and Milan. I’ve seen Milan a lot this season, and I know they can play. They’re a good team. It’s going to be difficult for Newcastle.’