Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has appeared at a press conference ahead of the second leg of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid, which will be played tomorrow, Wednesday, at the Metropolitano at 21:00.
Carlo Ancelotti is not flying the flag as favorite. He admits that they have an advantage due to the result of the first leg, but he is aware that Atlético de Madrid can turn this around with their fans. “We are well prepared, motivated, as always in this competition, a difficult match with many difficulties. We have the confidence to continue in this special competition for us”.
As for the importance of the match, he does not relate it to his future, it is simply “a match that allows us to continue dreaming”. “This year is more complicated than other years and we are looking forward to advancing”.
Carlo Ancelotti is not worried about the players who could miss the next round if they receive a card. The objective is to win whatever the consequences: “The objective is to play in the quarter finals”
He acknowledges that he has not practised penalties and that they will not do so in today’s training session. “Practising penalties is difficult because the circumstances that can arise at the time don’t happen, but we are clear about who will take them, but we are not thinking about this, we are thinking about how to approach the game well”.
Praise for Simeone and Atlético de Madrid
The Italian coach had kind words for the manager of Atlético de Madrid, Diego Simeone, with whom he has enjoyed a closely-fought rivalry since he arrived at Real Madrid. “Simeone is a great football coach and we have very similar ideas about football”. He talks about the great equality between the two teams and hopes, as he said in the first leg, “All the matches against Atlético are very even, and tomorrow will be the same. It will be decided by small details and that’s what will happen tomorrow”.
As for the game he is expecting, he acknowledges that it is unknown, as the rojiblancos have shown that they have many alternatives and you have to be prepared for anything. ‘Atlético can play in many ways, offensively, defensively, on the counterattack, just as Real Madrid can’.
Ancelotti’s doubts about the starting eleven
The Italian coach did not want to reveal his starting eleven and who will be his central midfielder, whether Camavinga and Luka Modric or Brahim Díaz, who is also in the running. The rest of the players seem clear, and all that remains is to decide who will partner Tchouaméni in midfield. “I have more than eleven players who can play. Those who don’t start will contribute when they come on. In these matches, a well-made substitution can make all the difference”.
He also had something to say about Luka Modric. The Real Madrid captain has not played two games in a row this season, a sign that points to his being used as a substitute. However, Ancelotti says he does not pay attention to these details and that he could start in the starting eleven: “It is a coincidence that he does not play two games in a row, that Modric does not worry that I do not look at these things”.
Defense by Vinicius and Mbappé
Finally, Carlo Ancelotti has been categorical about the reports that point to a bad relationship between Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappé and denies that they have a bad relationship: “What you have seen, I have not seen. They get along very well.”