Italian Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, believes his team needs courage and character when facing Manchester City tomorrow, Tuesday, in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Ancelotti stated during the pre-match press conference: "More important than playing 200 matches in the Champions League is to give our best; the mental aspect will be a crucial factor in the match."
He emphasized, "We must show courage and character on the pitch. We had time to prepare for the match, and I trust that we will give our best because we have enough quality to compete."
Regarding the pressure on the referee due to four players from Real Madrid being at risk of suspension, he commented: "I hope it won't be so; to prepare for a match like this, there are other things to think about. We are not thinking about the refereeing." He added, "We have four players at risk of missing out; if they don't play in the second leg, others will take their place... We are not worried about that."
He continued, "Tomorrow we will play an attractive match because each team has its characteristics and possesses a lot of quality, which will make the game very beautiful from a technical level. We are thinking of excelling in certain aspects, and dominance will show after the 180 minutes when we see who will win."
When asked about being compared to Guardiola regarding who is the better coach, Ancelotti replied: "Pep is a great coach. What is said doesn’t bother me; what matters are the opinions expressed within the club."
He went on, "Last season we played against City without courage and character. That is essential in these matches, and that was missing in the second leg." Ancelotti added, "I get very nervous in the hours leading up to the match... Suffering is part of the job; it keeps you alive, it's the fuel for me."
He noted, "We have different characteristics now from last season... We had Benzema last year; he was a reference point, and now he is no longer with us. We have coped with this absence by giving more movement to the attack, and that will be extremely important."
He elaborated on Jude Bellingham, saying, "He is a great player when he appears in the penalty area at the right time. He is very strong physically to cover a large area of the pitch and contributes greatly to defense. He creates space and opportunities for us."
When asked about potential changes to the lineup, Ancelotti answered: "I don’t think we will do anything strange... Don’t worry, you won’t miss the lineup... Things are quite clear."
Regarding doubts about his defensive selections, the Italian coach commented: "I haven't said anything to the players... Tomorrow you will know everything." On Manchester City's injuries, Ancelotti said: "They have injured players, but they have dealt with it well like us... Guardiola sometimes relies on center-backs as full-backs, and they perform well... They are strong defensively. I don't think injuries will affect them."
