Ancelotti: “I remember what they said about Real Madrid in the beginning of the season”

Quiet and fun afternoon. He even joked, that’s how Ancelotti left the press conference at the Etihad Stadium, just over 24 hours before facing Manchester City in the Champions League semi-final first leg.

Press conference

City are fiercely frank for the Premier League, is this something good or bad for you?

It’s hard to say, but the players are used to the pressure of matches every day. The players are used to recovering day by day and there is no problem unless there are injuries. I don’t think we will be able to take advantage of this.

You are the tenth boss. Why did you decide to go back and risk never doing it again?

I came back to Real Madrid because the club needed a coach. For me it was a great hope to be back, but that was not my decision. Real Madrid were confident in what they could do and I’m enjoying it.

He said that Atletico defended very well against City. Are you planning to implement this approach?

The team in the defensive phase If you do not have an organized team you will suffer. The defensive side of tomorrow is an important part of the game. Then there are times when City get the ball and you can’t watch what they do; And when we win the ball you have to take advantage of the qualities we have. There are not many secrets.

Guardiola says that playing against Real Madrid is playing against history. Is it an additional liability?

The history of Real Madrid is very important in this competition. The story helps players feel the weight of this shirt, but it’s a weight, a responsibility and a very positive thing.

Guardiola also spoke of the greatness of Madrid. Do you think that City may be under pressure because of this?

The pressure is similar. For Real Madrid, reaching the semi-finals is not a success. Success is reaching the final in this competition. This is our goal, because if Real Madrid arrives, our percentage will be higher.

At the beginning of the season, many expected that Madrid would not go far in Europe…

I remember what was said about Real Madrid at the beginning of the season. This is what the press and public opinion believed. There are two teams in the semi-finals that no one thought they could achieve, one Villarreal and the other us, at the expense of teams that were favorites like Paris Saint-Germain.

Casemiro and Alaba

Mindy is fine. We have some doubts with Alaba and more with Casemiro. Today’s training will tell us about both.

Source: AS