Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti sat down to chat to UEFA’s media channels to preview the upcoming Supercup clash with Eintracht Frankfurt, which is less than a week away. The Italian coach believes that the German side are further ahead in terms of their fitness. Even so, Carlo remains confident that his team will be fully focused on preparing for the match that was held at the Helsinki Olympic Stadium very carefully.
“Eintracht will have some advantage over us because they start the season earlier. But we will still play for victory. Last year’s triumphs strengthen our belief, but we need to focus on the upcoming challenges.” Ancelotti told UEFA.
He added, “We look forward and not back. Last year’s victories reinforce what we believe, but we need to focus on the upcoming matches. During this coming season, there are six titles at stake, and we want to fight for all of them.”
Ancelotti has won the trophy three times – winning every finals he has played to date. He won the Champions League twice with AC Milan and guided Real Madrid to their 10th European crown in 2014. For the coming Super Cup when his team take on Eintracht Frankfurt, Carlo Ancelotti might become the first coach to win the Champions League four times. Ancelotti shared his feelings about what he has come so far.
“I am extremely proud of all that. It was an incredible season for me, as well as for Real Madrid. Naturally, coming back to Real Madrid has been extremely gratifying for me. For me, it’s important to continue being the coach of this big club and this great team”.
Frankfurt’s Europa League win last season included a victory over Barcelona at the Camp Nou, and Ancelotti expects them to play a similar style.
He continued, “Last year, Eintracht achieved something special because they weren’t among the favorites. They played great games, winning against Barcelona at Camp Nou by playing a counterattacking style of football, with huge attention to defense and high-speed transitions.”
Ancelotti analyzed the signings of Antonio Rudiger and Aurelien Tchouameni, who will be expected to play a big role this season even if they are set to come off the bench in the upcoming Final.
“I believe we’ve got two players who are among the best in the world in their role,” said Ancelotti.
“First of all, their quality increases the team’s physical and technical ability.
“Then there is [the need to] adapt to the group and the group adapting to them a bit. We must not forget that the three who left, Marcelo, Isco, and Bale, have made history for this club in recent years, so the whole of Real Madrid is grateful to those players.”
The Madrid coach also shared how he motivates the players.
“We’re ready. The team is looking in great shape already. The joy and satisfaction you get after such wins tend to stick around, making you feel like no one should ever take your place. And that’s a pretty strong motivation to keep winning”.
