Champions League: Ancelotti speaks of readiness for Liverpool as Slot predicts tough encounter
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has offered a key update ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League trip to Liverpool.
The defending champions take on Arne Slot’s Premier League leaders in a mouth-watering clash on November 27 at Anfield.
Los Blancos returned to La Liga action this weekend with a dominant 3-0 win away at Leganes which closes the title gap on Barcelona to four points.
However, despite the positivity over a derby win, Ancelotti faces a host of injury calls in the coming days before flying to Merseyside.
Ancelotti confirmed after the game a late decision will be made on Lucas Vazquez and Aurelien Tchouameni after they missed out at Leganes,
As part of a reshuffled defence, Fran Garcia completed 90 minutes at left back, with Ferland Mendy not involved.
That call was based on tactics according to Ancelotti as he assured fans the France international would be fit to start at Liverpool.
“Mendy’s absence was a technical decision. Fran is playing very well, but Ferland will be very important on Wednesday,” as per quotes from Marca.
And Liverpool boss Arne Slot is ready to face the incoming challenge of Real Madrid.
The Reds extended their lead at the top of the Premier League table following the November international break with a 3-2 win at Southampton.
Slot’s charges survived a few scares against the top flight’s basement side as talisman Mohamed Salah scored twice late on.
The latest clash between the two teams reignites a growing rivalry with Los Blancos enjoying a dominant record.
The Champions League holders have won seven of their last eight meetings against Liverpool including victory in the 2018 and 2021 finals.
That could be a psychological barrier for certain players, but Slot is a fresh face in the rivalry, and he is confident ahead of their Anfield meeting on November 27.
“They (like Man City) are two teams who’ve dominated football in the last few years. So, two big games, and that’s why we needed to win today, and I’m happy,” as per quotes from BBC Sport.
