Champions League: Ancelotti reacts to drawing Man City and Osasuna, ‘We are better than ever’
Real Madrid will be eager to take a step closer to the La Liga crown when they lock horns with CA Osasuna this Saturday away from home.
After a string of subpar displays, Real Madrid secured a resounding 4-0 win over Celta Vigo last weekend to maintain their lead atop the league table.
With a huge UEFA Champions League tie against Manchester City coming up next month, Los Blancos will be eager to wrap up the league title race as soon as possible so that they can focus on the challenges in Europe.
As such, a victory against Osasuna will be crucial on Saturday for Carlo Ancelotti and his players. On the eve of the match, the Real Madrid boss addressed the media, discussing various topics, including the UCL quarterfinals draw vs Man City.
Kicking things off by discussing the current position of the team, heading into the first international break of 2024, Ancelotti said:
“We are in a good position in the league going into the break and we want to continue in that position.”
The big news is that Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Champions League quarter-finals, with the first leg set to be played at home and the second one away.
Giving his thoughts on the matter, the Italian coach said: “We don’t mind playing the second leg away. It’s a difficult opponent but in the quarterfinals, anything else can happen.
“I think the idea is to win the competition and if you want to win it you have to beat the best. It could be that City are the best but we have to see that and if we want to win the Champions League we have to beat City.”
On the feelings of the team heading into that tie, Ancelotti replied: “What prevails between the two teams is great optimism. We want to fight. I don’t know what kind of thinking Manchester City have but I’m sure it’s the same as us.”
Given that Real Madrid were mauled by Man City in the second leg of the UCL semifinals at the Etihad last season, Ancelotti was asked if the team had revenge on their mind.
“There is no rematch. It’s an opportunity to reach the semi-final. Nothing more,” replied the Italian.
On whether Manchester City are the favourites, he said: “Everyone has their own opinion. For me, it’s very close and there is no favourite.”
On what learnings Real Madrid can take from that second-leg defeat against Man City last season, he replied:
“The second leg was not a good game for many reasons and now we will have time to think about this. We are focused on tomorrow’s game.”
On the team, Ancelotti also confirmed that Eder Militao and Thibaut Courtois could return for the game against Athletic Club on March 31, saying:
“Militao and Courtois have started working with us. I think they can make it for the game on the 31st and without risking anything I hope they will be available.”
Regarding the racist chants directed at Real Madrid superstar Vinicius Jr. this week, the manager remarked:
“The problem is there. I think Valencia acted very well and those who can do it can do it. It is necessary to act to avoid these problems that affect the whole of society.”
Brahim Diaz earned his first-ever call-up to the Moroccan national team this week after he decided to play for the African nation instead of Spain. Reacting to that, Ancelotti said: “Brahim is an important player for any team and he has chosen well because Morocco is a great team.”
In conclusion, Ancelotti said that the team was in better shape than ever to tackle the business end of the season.
“I’m quite optimistic. And as we are now, we are better than ever. Militao is back and Courtois is back. I’m not saying that we can’t score tomorrow because we can,” he stated
