Having suffered three defeats against Barcelona this season, Real Madrid will be itching for revenge when they lock horns with their rivals in another El Clasico on Sunday in La Liga.
It is a must-win match for Carlo Ancelotti & co., who are four points behind Hansi Flick’s side in the league standings. A defeat would stretch that gap to seven points, ending any lingering hopes of a title defence.
Ahead of the big game tomorrow at Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys in Montjuic, Ancelotti addressed the media in his pre-match press conference with his future at Real Madrid being a major topic of discussion.
Starting off, though, the Italian tactician touched upon the team’s mindset heading into the Clasico, saying:
“The team is well, focused on what we have to do and excited. We have a lot at stake. We are confident that we can do it. The games against Barcelona are complicated, but we are confident that we can win.”
On how Real Madrid can prevail against Barcelona, Ancelotti explained: “We have to do things right. Barcelona are used to putting the opposition in their own half. But no team is perfect.
“It’s a game where there’s a lot at stake and to win you have to manage everything well, defend well, attack well. A complete game.”
Amid speculations that Arda Guler will start tomorrow ahead of Rodrygo Goes, Ancelotti addressed the matter saying:
“Rodrygo is back and has trained well. He is available. We don’t have many options for the XI, but those who are in the squad can start. Rodrygo is an option for the eleven, like Arda.”
Talking about how he can motivate players heading into the game tomorrow, the Real Madrid boss noted:
“It’s not complicated to motivate the players because it’s a type of game for which the players already come out motivated and with a lot of confidence.”
Real Madrid are without key defenders Eder Militao, David Alaba, and Antonio Rudiger tomorrow, leaving Raul Asencio as the only natural centre-back in the squad.
But Ancelotti stated that youngster Jacobo Ramon and out-of-favour star Jesus Vallejo can be options.
“Jacobo and Vallejo can be replacements for the centre-backs,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, Ancelotti also commented on Xabi Alonso, the favourite to replace him at Real Madrid, who announced on Friday that he will be leaving Bayer Leverkusen at the end of the season.
“I have read that he [Alonso] is leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He has done an incredible job and he has the doors open to him because he has shown he is one of the best in the world,” said the veteran manager.
On whether his honeymoon period at Real Madrid is over, the Italian stated: “With this club the honeymoon doesn’t end. Real Madrid, like Milan before it, are clubs that stay in my heart because of the time I’ve been here and the relationships.
“When the pressure goes down, the affection goes up. The honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life.”
Tomorrow’s game will be Ancelotti’s 350th in charge of Real Madrid, during which he has led the team to some iconic triumph. Recounting them, he noted:
“It’s not that complicated. Lisbon, Paris and London. It’s not that complicated of these 350. I don’t remember the 350. In some games we’ve done well and in others it’s better to forget about it because it’s not always done well.”
On being asked if he represents Real Madrid better than anyone else, Ancelotti replied:
“I don’t know. Real Madrid is a special club that requires a special attitude from everyone who works here: players, coach, staff….”
Commenting on the La Liga title race, Ancelotti admitted that Barcelona have the upper hand at the moment, but things could change if Real Madrid win the Clasico.
“It’s been a good league and a good season. You need continuity, to be able to win it or be close to it explains very well what tomorrow’s game is going to be like,” he noted.
“We both have a lot at stake. Barça have a better chance than us, but if we win it, it will be all to play for.”
The Los Blancos head coach also commented on the UCL semi-finals that took place earlier this week, congratulating Inter Milan and PSG for making it to the finals.
“I saw the match very competitive. Barcelona were very close to playing in the final. I congratulate PSG and Inter who are going to play a beautiful and evenly matched Champions League final with no favourites at the moment,” said Ancelotti.
On if Real Madrid plan to exploit Barcelona’s weakness against defending set-pieces, Ancelotti remarked:
“For the last two years we have done well at set pieces. In the cup game, with Arda and Luka Modric, with Tchouameni, we’re missing Rudiger, but it’s an important aspect of tomorrow’s game.
Continuing, he added: “We have to be attentive to offside, know how to make transitions… I’ve spoken to the players and we’ve prepared for it in training. If the players listen to me, it will work out well.”
Source: AS
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