Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti discussed the upcoming match against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday at Wembley Stadium in the UEFA Champions League final. Ancelotti stated in the press conference: "The team is focused and confident in delivering the best performance. We need to be confident to play the most important match of the season, but with a lot of respect for an opponent that earned its spot in the final." He added, "I am very happy to be here. This is not the first time, and I hope it won't be the last. We had a good time in the previous rounds, and I trust the players, as well as Rodrygo, who will give everything; he is an important piece."
Regarding who will play, between Ukrainian Andriy Lunin and Belgian Thibaut Courtois, Ancelotti confirmed: "Lunin will travel tomorrow and will be on the bench against Borussia Dortmund, and Courtois will start." He also spoke about the final, saying: "The most important thing in such matches is to convey clear thoughts to the players; the clearer the ideas, the less the tension. There will be feelings, and each player must handle them according to their personality."
Ancelotti added: "There will be emotions, anxiety, and fear, but fear is an important element to do things right. The team has shown two things this season: quality and sacrifice; the team's behavior has been excellent."
Reflecting on Real Madrid overcoming deficits this season, he remarked: "That's a tough question. The club has something special; this doesn't happen by chance, whether it's the history, traditions, character, or quality."
When asked about the difference between this match and the final in 2014, he said: "I am older now. The last generation did an amazing job, and some players from that era are still here, which is incredible, and winning the Champions League is extremely important."
Regarding whether the Champions League anthem intimidates Real's opponents, he concluded: "The Champions League final is the most important and dangerous match; you must enjoy it to the fullest. The most important thing is to win, as that will make the fear go away, and reaching the final is very difficult."
