Just hours before the big second leg of the Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press. From Kylian Mbappé’s mental state to the team’s motivation, the 65-year-old coach made some major revelations.
On Wednesday evening at 7pm GMT, Real Madrid host Arsenal in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-final. After suffering a heavy 3-0 defeat in the first leg last week, Carlo Ancelotti’s side will need to produce a remarkable performance to score three or more goals and complete the comeback. Following Jude Bellingham’s clear words in Tuesday’s press conference, the 65-year-old manager shared his thoughts. According to the Madrid coach, Kylian Mbappé is said to be disappointed with the team’s current situation.
Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference
The importance of the fans
“Obviously, it’s important. The fans’ support has helped us in recent years. We need to be at our best tomorrow to try and overturn this very difficult tie. We have to play a serious match, with our heads and our hearts… with cojones, as Alcaraz says too. Mentally, we’re in a good place. We need to control the game well.”
What will Real show tomorrow?
“We have commitment, experience, the players, the fans… all the resources are there. Last year, no one said we were playing spectacular football. We want to play effective football.”
Does your future depend on tomorrow?
“I don’t think so.”
Your final words to the players tomorrow?
“I want to clearly explain the plan and strategy for the match. We’ve thought it through a lot, and we’ll try something in training. I want the players to step onto the pitch with a very clear idea. If that’s the case, they can perform better individually.”
Will you try something new?
“No, nothing special. We’re going to try to bring intensity.”
Thomas Partey said the atmosphere will be similar to what they experience in the Premier League
“The Bernabéu has helped us a lot and will continue to do so. It’s quite normal for a player who comes to the Bernabéu. The pitch is the same, the colour of the grass is the same. But the atmosphere gives us a real push.”
Where will Valverde play?
“I don’t know.”
A very young Arsenal
“I’d say it’s a very well-organised team. Not the most experienced, but they have a clear idea of their game, both defensively and offensively. They are very focused on what they have to do.”
Do you need players who run or players who make the difference?
“A bit of both. A combination of the quality we have and the collective attitude. We must not lack either.”
How do you turn pessimism into optimism?
“With confidence, and seriousness – as is necessary in difficult moments.”
How are you personally?
“I’m keeping a cool head. I hope it won’t be my last match in this very special competition. Beyond the concern, I feel excited to be a protagonist in these matches from the touchline.”
How is Mbappé?
“He’s carrying a slight knock, and he feels disappointed about what happened. But he trained very well yesterday and is highly motivated. We need him – not only to defend but also to score. Now more than ever, we need his goals.”
Is the objective to score early?
“Of course, scoring early is important, but the most crucial thing is to control the game well and do our best right from kick-off. When you control the game well, you can score at any moment.”
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