Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images
After another win for his team, and their first in this year’s Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti faced the press to break down Real Madrid’s performance against Stuttgart.
Although the result was positive, Ancelotti expressed that the match itself left room for improvement. He was pleased with the victory but acknowledged that the team’s performance could have been better.
“The headline of the night could be: Real Madrid have won the first game of this new Champions League format, nothing more,” said the manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Ancelotti summed up the night by stating that while Real Madrid secured their first win in the new Champions League format, there was still work to be done.
“We are still looking for our best version and at times we have done well. When we scored the game could have been over but after the draw, we had the strength to win a very important game,” he explained.
Ancelotti’s vast experience in over 200 Champions League matches has taught him that every victory comes with its challenges.
“If anyone thinks that winning games is easy, they are wrong. I have coached more than 200 Champions League games and I do not remember any of them without suffering.”
Thoughts on Endrick, Courtois and Rudiger
One of the standout players of the night was Endrick, who caught Ancelotti’s attention. The Brazilian youngster showed bravery by taking a shot during a counterattack that resulted in a crucial goal.
According to Ancelotti, the expected move would have been to pass, but Endrick chose to go for goal, showcasing his instinctive talent.
“Endrick had the courage because it was the last ball of the game. The best solution was to take advantage of the counterattack, which was 3 to 1.
“He was convinced to score and he did it very well. He probably chose the most complicated solution, but the result was very good,” noted the manager.
Turning his attention to Thibaut Courtois, Ancelotti didn’t hold back in his praise for the goalkeeper, calling him the best in the world right now.
He reflected on having coached many high-level goalkeepers throughout his career but singled out Courtois as being in a league of his own at present.
“I can make a list. He is the best in the world now, but I have had goalkeepers of great level. At the moment, Thibaut is the best of all.”
Ancelotti also touched on Antonio Rudiger’s contribution, especially his goal. He pointed out that the team had focused heavily on set pieces, and his strength in heading was key.
“We worked a lot on set pieces. His head is a strength, and Modric’s great foot must be appreciated.”
Balance is needed
When analysing the team’s overall play, Ancelotti explained the balance between building up play and opting for a more direct, vertical approach.
He noted that while some might prefer a more constructive style, sometimes a direct approach can lead to success, as was the case with the first goal from Tchouameni’s long ball.
“You have to choose between building or playing vertically. Sometimes the coach chooses to play vertically. If we played constructively for the attack we would not have scored the first goal which was a long ball from Tchouameni.”
As for comparisons between this season and last, Ancelotti brushed them off, stating that he doesn’t recall the details of last year well. However, he remembered that suffering through tough moments was nothing new for Real Madrid.
“I don’t remember last year very well. If I remember correctly, we won the first match against Union Berlin, and we suffered a lot.
“There is nothing new in suffering. If someone thinks they will win the title easily, they are wrong. You have to fight and suffer,” concluded the manager.
