Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU/AFP via Getty Images
Real Madrid return to action in the UEFA Champions League on Wednesday night as they take to the field for the second leg of the Round of 16 clash against RB Leipzig.
The Merengues are the staunch favourites to progress on the night given the 1-0 lead on aggregate and the home advantage. Yet, it will require a resilient battle for 90 minutes to confirm their quarterfinal berth, especially considering the fight the Germans put up in the first leg.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the much-awaited UCL clash and detailed several topics from the team’s recent controversial clash to the tactics on the night.
The Italian began by elaborating on what the UCL meant to the dressing room and the importance of tomorrow’s clash.
“We are facing an important opportunity to continue in a special competition. We have to get our best version because, although we have a small advantage, the fixture is not over.”
When asked to comment on refereeing in light of the recent controversy against Valencia at Mestalla, Ancelotti modestly said,
“There is never peace of mind in a game like that in which you play so much. I always have the idea of not thinking about the referee before the game and I would like to keep it after the game above all.”
“I don’t know what’s better or worse. If they speak or the referees don’t speak. There are people more suitable than me to decide it,” he added.
The manager then revealed that he was faced with certain dilemmas ahead of the massive game, especially in terms of personnel, and insisted that he would give nothing away.
“I have some doubts about the eleven and I’m not going to give clues. Tchouaméni and Rüdiger’s pairing was because Nacho had some discomfort. Now Nacho is fine and has possibilities (of starting).”
Jude Bellingham was shown a direct red card during the debacle at Mestalla after he protested against the referee for disallowing his goal in the final play. Speaking about the English superstar, he said,
“I don’t need to talk to Bellingham. He is a player who tries to give everything on the field. I think the red card was wrong. He was frustrated but he hasn’t done any kind of insult.”
Ancelotti even defended Rodrygo Goes, who has been under scrutiny in recent games for his lack of form.
“Rodrygo’s moment is good for what he brings to the team for the game. A little less successful in the finishing, but that has already happened before. If it hasn’t worried us then, it does not now either.”
The media then asked the Real Madrid manager to evaluate the team’s season to this point, but the coach refused to do so stating that it would be wrong to assess until the season concluded.
“Talking about the season today is complicated. So far we have done very well but we are missing a lot. When the end arrives, we will make an evaluation. So far, I can’t reproach my team for anything.”
Real Madrid’s season has not been entirely smooth this campaign and has often required individuals to step up and deliver for the collective.
“The key point of my management is that I have very good players. They want to learn, improve and be part of this club and that is the most important thing. They give their everything to execute what I ask of them to their best ability,” Ancelotti said, giving the credit for his success to his players.
Real Madrid’s clash against Valencia was in the news for one other event apart from the refereeing controversy – the injury to Mouctar Diakhaby.
Word has it that the Valencia star may never play football again after his knee dislocation, and Ancelotti extended his deepest sympathy to the starting.
“All of us have been very close to Mouctar Diakhaby. We have talked to him and we are very sorry for what happened. Unfortunately, injuries are quite frequent but I think he will come back well. We wish him all the best.”
One of the big controversies from Real Madrid’s last game was the inadequate time added on after a second half with endless stoppages. Commenting on the importance of maintaining an ‘effective’ time of 90 minutes, the Italian gaffer said,
“Effective time is one of the solutions they are going to put into the future and I think it can be a solution.”
Urging his men to improve on certain facets of the game and learn from the mistakes in the first leg, Ancelotti insisted,
“We can improve in the transitions. In the first leg, Lunin made good stops but we have to prevent them from reaching our area because they are very effective.”
“Obviously we know that we can’t be overconfident. We have evaluated the match of the first leg and I think we are prepared to show the improvements. At the defensive level, we suffered because it is a very fast team in the transitions. Rüdiger is back and he’s going to help us,” he added ahead of the second leg.
Towards the end of his press conference, Ancelotti spoke about his personal situation and how he felt working at Real Madrid for a second stint.
“My job is a job that I like. However, it involves more sweat and tears than happiness because there are many situations that you have to handle.”
“Even in victory, there are some around you who are unhappy for reasons like their lack of participation or other reasons and that has to be handled. You can share happiness, but you can’t share suffering,” he added honestly.
Finally, Ancelotti defended Real Madrid TV for their strong views conveyed through videos in recent times.
“Real Madrid TV is a means of communication that has freedom of expression as you have it.”
