Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the team’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, and was asked specifically about the team’s character to score late goals. “That’s a complicated question. It depends. But there is something special about this club; so many times can’t be a coincidence,” he explained. “Maybe history, tradition, quality… I don’t know, but it’s happened many times and that means it’s no coincidence.”
Ancelotti on how his team are
“We have had time to prepare for the match and I can see that the dressing room is focused, mentalised and confident to face the most important match of the season. We have a lot of respect for our opponents and I hope everything goes well.”
Ancelotti on his feelings and Rodrygo’s quotes this week
“I’m happy to be here. It’s not the first time and hopefully it won’t be the last. We’ve enjoyed the preview, that’s all I have to say. Now, maximum confidence in my athletes, who will give their all, like Rodrygo, who has been, is and will be important. There is no doubt.”
Ancelotti on who will start in goal
“Lunin has had the flu and will travel tomorrow. He’s fine. But tomorrow he’ll be on the bench, Courtois will play.”
Ancelotti on what his team talk will be like
“The priority is to transmit clear ideas to the players. To be as direct as possible because the more, the less nervous the team will be. I will go tactical. Emotions come later and everyone handles them according to their character. Before the match there will be negative emotions, but fear is an important part of doing things well, we must know that. We have shown quality and collective sacrifice. Both will be key tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s first final at Wembley
“I’m excited for two reasons. The first is to play this match, the most important of the whole season, and also to do it in a historic setting. We are happy and hope to show our best tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on how he’s changed from 10 years ago
“I’m ten years older! But I still feel young, it’s true. The first time I was in a Champions League final was ten years ago and I’ve learned a lot. This generation is capable of doing great things… and it still has players who were there ten years ago. It’s incredible, if you think about it.”
Ancelotti on whether this final will define the season
“Our obsession is to compete, to give our best in every game. Sometimes things don’t go the way you want them to… but obviously winning the Champions League is very important. That said, the season has already been very successful, no matter what happens tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on how his team has maintained their level after Karim Benzema’s exit
“It’s a question of attitude and spirit. We have gone through moments where players have been able to show, to step up. We see in opportunities in those moments.”
Ancelotti on Dani Carvajal’s claim he sees “terror” in opponent’s eyes
“A final is the most important match, but also the most dangerous. We have to enjoy the fact that we are here and we are going to do that, but afterwards we will be worried that something could go wrong. You feel that winning the Champions League is very close and you are afraid that it might slip away. Each of us lives and manages it in our own way. You have to do everything very well, without giving up and having a bit of luck. When you reach a final, you feel success is very close and you start to worry. Tonight, tomorrow morning, tomorrow afternoon? A lot of worry and fear. But when you go through that fear, if you win, the happier you are for having achieved it.”
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
