Real Madrid are about to face Manchester City in an electric Champions League duel. After several tense encounters in recent seasons, Carlo Ancelotti has fine-tuned a formidable strategy to get the better of Pep Guardiola’s team. With a mix of tactical adjustments, management and exploitation of the opposition’s slightest weaknesses, the Italian coach is putting in place a precise plan to lead the Merengues to victory.
Carlo Ancelotti is entering the decisive phase of his preparations for the showdown with Manchester City. Aware of the challenges posed by Pep Guardiola’s team, the Madrid coach is fine-tuning every detail to ensure that his Real Madrid side is ready to meet the physical and tactical challenge posed by the Skyblues.
With a combination of calculated rotations, defensive adjustments and the management of key players, the Transalpine coach is preparing a master-stroke to bring down the English champions, who are currently struggling. Ancelotti wants to send out a strong message: Real Madrid fear no-one and are aiming for another European triumph.
🚨 David Alaba is set to start tomorrow vs Espanyol, and if everything goes well – he has chances to be a starter vs Manchester City. @diarioas pic.twitter.com/O1EyYcvhAI
— Madrid Zone (@theMadridZone) January 31, 2025
David Alaba, Ancelotti’s secret weapon against Manchester City
After a lengthy recovery from a knee injury, David Alaba is gradually returning to his best. The Austrian defender, an essential part of Carlo Ancelotti’s plans, is preparing for the crucial Champions League clash with Manchester City. The Italian coach is adjusting his plan to reinstate him cautiously and strengthen Madrid’s defence.
This season, Ancelotti has focused on improving his team’s defence. While the attack has shone, the defence has shown signs of weakness at times, notably during the Clasicos, the trip to Anfield and against Atalanta. With a clash against Manchester City looming, securing the rearguard becomes an absolute priority.
Carlo Ancelotti wants to prepare David Alaba for the Manchester City games. His experience will be important for the duel.
— Madrid Universal (@MadridUniversal) February 1, 2025
— @diarioas pic.twitter.com/TGxbbxi1xa
Alaba’s experience in the Champions League is a major asset. With 119 appearances in the competition and several trophies to his name, the former Bavarian striker brings a much-needed sense of calm. Ancelotti is counting on him to stabilise an area where Aurélien Tchouaméni, used in central defence, has shown his limitations.
Alaba’s gradual return
Aware of the importance of his player, Ancelotti is adopting a cautious approach. Alaba played eight minutes against Brest, a limited test to avoid any risk of a relapse on a pitch made slippery by the rain. The aim is clear: to gradually give him more game time in order to prepare him for the upcoming fixtures.
The Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés represents another opportunity for him to step up his game. By the time of the derby and the match against Manchester City, the Austrian should be fully fit. Within the squad, confidence in Alaba is growing. His team-mates and the coaching staff see his return as a decisive asset for the rest of the season. Ancelotti, for his part, is reassuring: ‘He’s getting game time again and feels good,’ he told a press conference before the match against Espanyol Barcelona.
With his controlled rise to prominence, David Alaba could well be the defensive reinforcement that makes the difference at the key moment of the season. His return is being closely watched by all those hoping to see Real Madrid shine in the Champions League.
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