Blog

Real Madrid technical director Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media Before the 2023/24 Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley Stadium on Saturday, stressing that Thibaut Courtois will start ahead of Andriy Lunin in goal. The Italian also touched His team mentality And only What drives them to compete in Europe’s elite club competitionwhich they have won a record 14 times.

Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference before the Champions League final

What is the team like?

“We had time to prepare for the match and I see that the dressing room is focused, determined, confident and ready to face the most important match of the season. All respect to the opponent and we hope that things go well.”

How are the nerves? What do you think of what Rodrigo (who recently described Manchester City as the best team in the world) said?

“I’m happy to be here. It’s not the first time and hopefully it won’t be the last. We enjoyed the attacking build-up, that’s all I have to say. Now, I have full confidence in my players, who will give their best, like Rodrigo, who was, is and will always be.” Important, without a doubt.”

Courtois will start in goal against Dortmund

Will Courtois start tomorrow against Dortmund?

“Lunin has had the flu and will travel to London tomorrow. He is fine. But tomorrow he will be on the bench and Courtois will play.”

Tomorrow, when you give a speech to the team, will you be more rational or emotional?

“The priority is to convey clear ideas to the players. Be as direct as possible, because the more direct you are, the less nervous the team will be. I will focus on tactics. Emotions come later and everyone deals with them according to their personality. Before the match, negative emotions will come, but fear is an important part of doing things.” Well, we have to remember that we showed quality and collective sacrifice, both of which will be key tomorrow.

This will be your eighth Champions League final, but your first for Real Madrid Wembley…What makes it special?

“Two reasons. First, to play this match, the biggest of the entire season, as well as to do it in a historic place. We are happy to be here and we hope to be at our best tomorrow.”

Winners for Real Madrid in the last minutes

Madrid’s never-say-die attitude in the final minutes of matches… where does it come from?

“A complex question. It depends. But there is something special about this club; it has happened many times and it cannot be a coincidence. Maybe it is history, tradition, quality… I don’t know, but it has happened many times and that means… “It’s not just a coincidence.”

What is the difference between Carlo Ancelotti today and ten years ago?

“I’m 10 years older! (Laughs) But I still feel young, it’s true. The first time I reached the Champions League final was 10 years ago and in the years that followed I learned a lot. This generation of players is capable of doing great things.” …And there are still players who were here 10 years ago. It’s unbelievable if you think about it.”

“Fear” before the Champions League final

Will the result of tomorrow’s match determine the entire season?

“Our obsession is to compete, to give our best in every match. Sometimes things don’t go your way… but obviously winning the Champions League is very important. However, the season has been very successful already, regardless of what happens tomorrow.” .

How did you maintain the team at the same level after the departure of Karim Benzema?

“It’s a matter of attitude and spirit. We’ve had moments where players have had the opportunity to step up and show what they can do. We see opportunities in those moments.”

Dani Carvajal said he feels “fear” in opponents when they play against Real Madrid in the Champions League.

“The final is the most important match, but it is also the most dangerous. We have to really enjoy the fact that we are here, and we will, but then comes the worry that something might go wrong. When you feel close to winning the Champions League, you also fear that it will slip away.” From you this title. Each of us experiences it and manages it in his own way. You have to do everything very well, without giving up, and with a little luck when you reach the final, you feel that you are very close to achieving success, and that is where the anxiety begins tonight Tomorrow, afternoon… a lot of anxiety and fear but when you overcome that fear, and if you win, you will feel happier because you achieved what you achieved.