Carlo Ancelotti appeared this Monday in the press room of Celtic Park before directing the final training session before the premiere of real Madrid in Champions. The Italian coach previews tomorrow’s match against the historic Scottish team. “It will be a difficult game, it is a team that will come like us, with good dynamics, playing with a lot of intensity. We know him, we are ready and willing to properly start a group that will be very balanced”, he predicted.
The Italian coach is not worried, on the contrary, about the forecasts that do not give Real Madrid a favorite, the fifth according to the bookmakers. “I am not surprised. I see it as a good sign because last year we had a smaller chance in statistics. So we have improved. We are going to compete until the end and hopefully we can make it to the final.”
As for the compressed Champions League calendar for World Cup in Qatar, to be played between November 20 and December 18, ‘Carletto’ admitted that “Until the World Cup I think we won’t have any problems. The players are ready and motivated. The question is how the World Cup players will return. Don’t know.”
The fact that Madrid have already accumulated 14 European Cups in their showcase does not mean that their rivals will respect the whites more, according to Ancelotti. “In this competition, Real Madrid is always respected. The club’s history speaks volumes in this competition. We started it with enthusiasm, as always, you never know what will happen. We have to think about this group, win it and then see what happens in the World Cup.”
The Italian stressed that “Celtic like to play attacking. One of our keys last season was defending well. We have to attack well and defend well. That’s what we’re going to do,” he announced.
Ancelotti denies Madrid have an easy group. “Celtic are very good, we have to respect them, like Leipzig and Shakhtar. In the group stage there are surprises, especially in the first part. We have a vivid memory of last season with the Sherriff in the house. We respect the group and I think it will be an even group.”
The Italian hopes to win for the first time at Celtic Park: “It was a very complicated stadium for me and my teams in the past. In Milan we played Celtic in the group then in the round of 16, we lost here then we won in Milan in extra time. It’s a wonderful stadium with a great atmosphere. Because I love this sport, I want my team to play in these environments.”
‘Carletto’ did not rule that out round in Glasgow. “Yes, maybe. It depends on who is less common, I don’t know who they are”, while praising the extraordinary level that continues to show unburnt Luka Modric. “There is no explanation. He is a fantastic player with a great attitude. If you put it together you make him one of the best players in Europe. We will celebrate his 37th birthday (he turns this Friday ) with a great party. I hope they invite me,” he added between laughs.
Source: La Verdad
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