Ancelotti spoke before the final Clasico of the season.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the team’s final Barcelona clash for the 2024-25 season on Sunday. He was asked about his honeymoon with Real Madrid, to which he said: “With this club, the honeymoon never ends. Real Madrid, like Milan before them, are clubs that remain in my heart for the time I’ve been here and for the relationships. When the pressure goes down, the affection rises. The honeymoon with Madrid will last until the last day of my life.”
Ancelotti on the match against Barcelona
“The team is doing well, focused on what we have to do and excited. We have a lot at stake. We’re confident that we can achieve it. Matches against Barcelona are tough, but we’re confident we can win.”
Ancelotti on how they will face Barcelona
“We have to do things right. Barcelona is used to pushing the opponent into their own box. But no team is perfect. It’s a game with a lot at stake, and to win, you have to manage everything well, defend well, attack well. A complete game.”
Ancelotti on whether Rodrygo or Güler will start
“Rodrygo is back and training well. He’s available. We don’t have many options for the starting eleven, but those who are in the squad can start. Rodrygo is an option for the starting eleven, like Arda.”
Ancelotti on how to recover from a Champions League loss
“That’s football. Once you get hit, football gives you the opportunity to react immediately.”
Ancelotti’s three favorite games as a Real Madrid coach
“It’s not that complicated. Lisbon, Paris, and London. It’s not that complicated for these 350. I don’t remember all 350. In some games we’ve done well, and others are better to forget because they’re not always done well.”
Ancelotti on Xabi Alonso
“I read that he’s leaving Bayer Leverkusen. He’s done an incredible job, and the doors are open to him because he’s proven to be one of the best in the world.”
Ancelotti on La Liga race
“It’s been a good league and a good season. You need continuity. Winning it or coming close explains exactly what tomorrow’s match will be like. We both have a lot at stake. Whether Barça will have a better chance than us, but if we win, it’s all up for grabs.”
Ancelotti on the weakened defense
“Jacobo and Vallejo can be replacements for the center-backs”
Ancelotti on set-pieces
“Over the last two years, we’ve done well from set pieces. In the cup match, with Arda and Luka Modric, with Tchouameni, we’re missing Rüdiger, but he’s an important aspect of tomorrow’s game. We have to be aware of offside, know how to make transitions… I’ve spoken with the players and we’ve prepared for it in training. If the players listen to me, it will go well.”
Ancelotti on whether he is the best representative of the club
“I don’t know that. Real Madrid is a special club that requires a special attitude from everyone who works here: players, coach, staff…”
Ancelotti on the Champions League semi-finals
“I found the match to be very competitive. Barcelona came very close to reaching the final. Congratulations to PSG and Inter, who are going to play a beautiful and even Champions League final with no favorites today.”
