Ancelotti: “Manchester City are the big favorites for the Champions League”

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, spoke before the Champions League opener against Union Berlin (Wednesday, 6:45 pm, Movistar Champions League) and had no doubts in acknowledging that his team’s goal is to enter the top four and the big favorite to lift the title is Manchester City.

Madrid’s goal in the Champions League

“The objective is to compete until the end. First we have to pass the group stage, then the round of 16 and then the quarterfinals. We can say finishing in the top four without putting too much pressure on ourselves, I think we can achieve this.”

City of Manchester

“Now the top favorite is Manchester City because they have a good team and they are the champions. In the last part there may be surprises but now they are the favorite”

The Union Berlin

“The Champions League is special for us. We want to start the group stage well and tomorrow we will have a chance. Union Berlin is a well-organized and very intense, solid and strong team. It does not have good individuals stand out but they play as a team. We’re going to need a lot of intensity.”

Carvajal’s injury

“Carvajal has an overload and we prefer not to risk it. Lucas Vázquez will play tomorrow. Carvajal feels good, he will be tested tomorrow and he has not been ruled out of the derby.”

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“The contribution of those who came: Fran García, Joselu, Bellingham. We are ready to compete, like last year.”

His relationship with Modric

“Modric will play tomorrow. The personal relationship is fantastic and will always remain so, whether I leave or he leaves. The fact that he plays less may affect the professional relationship but not the personal one, which is perfect.”

Arda Güler

“He is in the final stages of individual work and on Monday he will return to the group”