Carlo Ancelotti, like the FC Barcelona coach, Hansi Flick, appeared at a press conference before the LaLiga EA Sports match between the culés and merengues on matchday 11. This match, with the history and current state of both teams, promises to be a real cracker.
The Italian coach started by affirming how Real Madrid arrives emotionally at this clash against FC Barcelona, expressing a positive perspective. "The team is good, motivated. The classics are competitive, entertaining. They are a football party," said 'Carletto'.
Favoritism in the Clásico, the game plan Madrid will propose, the key to the match...
Regarding favoritism of one club over the other in this great confrontation, Carlo Ancelotti expressed several times without pointing out a clear favorite, maintaining caution that characterizes a match where both teams, being so big, do not allow determining a clear favorite. "I think they are doing very well, and in a Clásico, it is very difficult to choose a favorite. Fortunately, nobody takes away my sleep," warned the one from Reggiolo.
"In the Clásico, like in a Derby, it is very difficult to choose a favorite. It is not just a matter of quality, but also how you are able to handle the pressure, the moments of the match. Moments of control from both teams, managing these times to succeed in the match."
Furthermore, the Italian coach mentioned that he plans to make tactical adjustments in his game plan for this match, although he did not specify what they will be: "I have something in mind, but it is not correct to explain it today. We will have to see it tomorrow and you can tell me if I was wrong or not."
He also highlighted that the key to the match lies beyond the sporting aspect. "In these types of matches, you shouldn't talk too much. You have to prepare a clear, very simple strategy, and nothing more. Everyone is motivated, eager to play these matches," emphasized 'Carletto'.
"When I played, Van Basten saw me worried. He told me to give him the ball and run to celebrate with him. It happened many times."
The anti-Lamine plan, Hansi Flick's game proposal, the revolution in the Culé tactical proposal...
Ancelotti also dismissed the idea of focusing on a single player, like Lamine Yamal, emphasizing the importance of caring for collective play: "He has started his career spectacularly. I really like his way of playing, his attitude. Very dangerous player, but we must focus on what we must do. It is a team that is playing very well," Carlo asserted.
Regarding Hansi Flick and possible tactical changes in his game proposal, Ancelotti expressed his perspective on the importance of these types of confrontations: "You have to be able to manage the attack with different defensive line heights. You have to play a complete game to try to win it, and we will try to do so," reiterated the Italian coach.
When asked about the change in the level of play of FC Barcelona in the last few matchdays, Ancelotti mentioned: "The philosophy has changed a bit. They play differently, more direct. I don't want to compare the work with Xavi, who I think has done a fantastic job. This is a slightly different Barcelona and I respect both."
Kylian Mbappé and Vinicius Jr., the great leaders of the merengue offensive
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"We are satisfied, he has scored goals, he is very important for the team. He did not score against Dortmund, but he was very present in both goals. He will do better, he has all the qualities for it."
To conclude this section, he also spoke about Vinicius Jr. and what it means to coach a talent of his stature and how the team deals with probably being, currently, one of the most prominent faces, if not the most, both in attack and in the general institution of Real Madrid. "It means coaching one of the best in the world. Very humble, who has progressed a lot. I think nobody doubts it, he is the future Ballon d'Or. And no, there is not a single leader, Vinicius can do it, Valverde too. The luck of this team is not to have only one," Ancelotti concluded.