The Italian Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real Madrid, confirmed that he started thinking about winning the 16th Champions League title in the club's history as soon as they secured a 2-0 victory over Borussia Dortmund yesterday, clinching their 15th title. Ancelotti said during statements reported by the Spanish newspaper "Marca": "The key to this team is quality. We had a great season, and my rating for the team is 10 out of 10. I am very happy and proud of what we have achieved."
Regarding the changes made between the halves, he revealed: "We tried to correct things; Borussia played well, and we couldn't stop the counterattacks. We thought that changing the system would be beneficial for us." He explained: "The change was good, and we began to find more spaces, but the most important thing is that we were more focused and engaged in the match. We remained calm despite everything."
On bidding farewell to Kroos, he commented: "He was grateful for what we achieved; he was very happy because there couldn’t have been a better way to end his career. He never failed even once in these years with Real Madrid."
About his son and assistant David, he commented: "Having a son as an assistant is emotionally good, but Real Madrid is a family in itself. Working in a family is much better; we feel at home."
On winning the title next year, he remarked: "I know the requirements and what is coming in the future. Some will leave, and very important others will come, and we will return to do the same; we will need to adapt to what we will get, and we will have to change some things. We are already thinking about that."
He concluded: "It was hard to imagine winning the Champions League twice in three years, in a team that is changing. Returning to Real Madrid was a gift, and I enjoy being here."
