REVEALED: Carlo Ancelotti’s ‘mantra’ that motivated Real Madrid players ahead of Copa del Rey clash against Barcelona
Ancelotti gave a candid press conference following the victory
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Carlo Ancelotti revealed to the media what he told his players before yesterday’s El Clasico. Real Madrid thrashed Barcelona 4-0 in a dominant display and advanced to the Copa del Rey final.
“This is the final. I told the world that we played well in the last two Clasicos. I believe that we were better. Today we will prove it,” said Ancelotti. The Italian had attracted criticism in recent weeks, but he redeemed himself. He explained that he felt he did not need to tinker too much. “Even though we’d lost the last couple of Clasicos, we had played well in those games and didn’t lose any confidence. Our tactics for this game were the same as the previous two Clasicos.”
Ancelotti also felt the game may have been closer than the scoreline suggested. “It was basically the same, except that we got the benefit of the fine margins this time. The first goal was so important that it changed the second half,” he said. Real Madrid will take on Osasuna in the Copa del Rey final on 6 May 2023.
The coach also praised his team’s performance, calling it “complete”, and said that his team grafted when required and reaped the rewards. Los Blancos were under the cosh in the first half, with Barcelona putting them under pressure. However, Real dug deep, and the tides turned after they managed to score the first goal. Barcelona will be distraught after the result, and they hope to bounce back in a league game against Girona on April 11.
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Carlo Ancelotti discusses Real Madrid team selection
Carlo Ancelotti has been under fire for several selection decisions in the past. Fans have urged him to refrain from starting Toni Kroos and Luka Modric together in big games. Many were also taken aback after Eduardo Camavinga made yet another appearance at left-back. However, Ancelotti justified his choices.
When asked about Kroos and Modric, he said: “These are matches where the personality and experience of a player are very important. I tried to create a mix in the line-up, with the energy of Rodrygo, Valverde and Camavinga and with the experience of Vinicius, Modric and Kroos. They don’t get nervous in these types of matches.”
Ancelotti had previously mentioned that Camavinga would only play at left-back in emergencies. Journalists asked the Italian whether that was still true. “Yes, we still think that. He is an extra option to play there. Camavinga is still so young, and he’s playing very well, whether as a pivot or a left-back.” Ancelotti’s selection decisions will be put to the test once again as Real Madrid takes on Villareal on Sunday.
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Arpan Ghosh
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