Portuguese defender Pepe has praised Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti for his impact at the Spanish outfit this season.

The Italian manager moved to Los Blancos from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer and has led his side to the top of La Liga and into the final of the Copa del Rey.

Madrid are also on the cusp of the Champions League quarter-finals following a 6-1 win over Schalke 04 in the first leg of their last-16 clash.

"Ancelotti has brought calm to the team. He was a player himself and knows where he's come from. He has settled things down and given us the tranquility we need to play well," he told Marca.

"I am very happy playing under him because he is close to the players and understands their needs."

Pepe has been with Madrid since moving from Porto in 2007.