Carlo Ancelotti was in a relaxed and jovial mood for Real Madrid’s media day ahead of the Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund. “Welcome to our working day, see if you can learn something,” Carletto joked. He addressed the final and the dressing room’s feelings ahead of the game, saying, “the veterans are the example, this generation is the one of commitment and positive attitude. They continue to bring it, also in the future. A transition has begun. There are youngsters who are starting to take more responsibility. Many youngsters come with technical quality but they have also understood what Madrid means.”
Ancelotti on the atmosphere in the camp
“With all the excitement in the world, that’s what a final demands. There is calm, confidence, it’s a week to enjoy, at least until Friday. A final is a success. We will be at our best.”
Ancelotti on being favourites
“We don’t think about that, we think about the fact that there is an opponent who has deserved to reach the final. They have knocked out teams of great quality, Atlético, PSG… They have shown a great attitude. We are convinced that we have to suffer, fight and fight.”
Ancelotti on his sixth Champions League final as a coach
“It’s always the same, the qualifiers are the same. There is happiness for being a protagonist in the most important game of the season for everyone, it’s my ninth final if you count the ones as a player and it’s the same happiness. Then will come the worry and the fear, as always, but before it comes I want to enjoy it.”
Ancelotti on nerves the day before a game
“It gets to me until Saturday afternoon, that cold sweat, it’s normal, but then during the match I have the experience. My team gives me a lot of confidence, they are in Champions League mode.”
Ancelotti on his pre-game routine
“I like to eat. Salmon and pasta. And then an hour’s nap, if I’m able to. Before the team talk the heart starts to rise up to 120 beats and it’s there until the start of the match, when it starts, it goes back to its normal rhythm… We are going to focus on offensive and defensive work. The important thing is to have clear ideas of what to do. I have to give information to the players so they know what to do. For them it’s the best thing to get rid of stress, you don’t think about other things that can stress you.”
Ancelotti on superstitions
“My routine is the one I will follow, nothing special. There’s a bit of superstition, I have it, it’s normal. I’ve been taught that not having one brings bad luck (laughs).
Ancelotti on Borussia Dortmund’s biggest threat
“They are very quick in transition, they are a team with attitude and commitment. What struck me most against PSG was their attitude, their desire to reach the final, that’s what stands out and what worries us the most.”
Ancelotti on Real Madrid not losing a final since 1981
“It’s complicated and easy to answer. Why is Madrid so special in this competition? Because they have created their history with this competition. For all the madridistas and those who don’t, the fans, it’s something special. It’s a competition where you are more focused.”
Ancelotti on his relationship with his players
“A fundamental aspect of our life is the interpersonal relationship, the one you have also with those who work with you. Based on respect for the individual. That’s what I want to do, because I feel good doing it. I want those who work with me to understand that. For me, the interpersonal relationship is more important than the professional one.”
Ancelotti on mental preparations
“I’m not a psychologist, but my idea is that when I talk to them, it’s not only about technical and tactical aspects, but also about their life. Like with my family, if there’s not a good atmosphere, I can’t do my job well.”
Ancelotti on Arda Güler
“He can be useful during the match, he has a fantastic scoring streak, with a hundred percent success rate. It’s an option we have.”
Ancelotti on injuries this season
“Now everything is forgotten, but we have in our minds the injuries to Courtois, Militão, Alaba, the two-month absence of Vinícius, Bellingham, the others? It’s been a similar arrival to the 2022 final, with suffering. It was a spectacular group stage, but then we had problems in the second leg with Leipzig, we didn’t play very well. But in the quarter-finals we eliminated the best team with a spectacular defensive performance. When Joselu came on in the semi-final against Bayern, that’s what I would highlight as a specific moment.”
Ancelotti on Toni Kroos
“I hope he can finish his career with a Champions League title. On an individual level he deserves it. But his career doesn’t contribute more with a Champions League than it already has. One more doesn’t put him in Madrid history, he’s already done that. Obviously it would be fantastic to win it, but he’s in the history of world football.”
Ancelotti on his team selection being predictable
“We are very clear about what Borussia Dortmund are, they have experience and are a team with merit. Have the two best teams made it to the final? Yes, we haven’t finished yet, we’re not on holiday. Others are on holiday and will watch it on TV.”
Ancelotti on his expectations for the game
“I would like us to be prepared for all the facets of the game. They are very good in transitions, with Sancho, Adeyemi…. They are not similar to us, but they have characteristics that they know how to do well. Their defensive block is strong. It’s going to be a competitive game.”
Ancelotti on Bayer Leverkusen losing the Europa League final
“Every game has its own story. Atalanta… I congratulate them, also Gasperini. They are different games. The best team won.”
Ancelotti on Thibaut Courtois
“It’s a difficult decision, because both he and Lunin deserve to play in the final. For many reasons. Lunin has a fever. Courtois is the best in the world. I like the debate a lot, especially this week when I don’t have much to do. If I say who plays, the debate is over? I will make the decision. There is no doubt: one will play and the other will be on the bench. Kepa also came, and although he hasn’t played much, he’s been important in his relationship, he’s been important.”
Ancelotti on Vinícius being one of the best in the world
“The work we have done with him has been well done. To the great talent he has, we have added the movements without the ball, choosing when to play inside or outside? He has progressed a lot. He’s more focused on winning another Champions League than on individual awards.”
Ancelotti on Bellingham’s inside knowledge of Dortmund
“No, nothing special… We already have all the reports. Football is not a secret, we don’t need more from the players.”
Ancelotti on Florentino Pérez’s message
“He is very calm before these events, he shows us affection. To be able to chat a bit before these matches with him is nice.”
Ancelotti on if Nacho has spoken to him about his future
“No, the only thing he has told me is that we will talk after the final and I told him to call me on the phone, because I would be on holiday.”
