In an interview with “El Chiringuito de Jugones” on Mega, Carlo Ancelotti shared his feelings ahead of the Champions League final.
Early season
We were confident, we knew we had a lot of resources. We thought about strengthening with Joselu, it was a profile we didn’t have. Brahim had done very well at Milan, Bellingham…
Madrid identity
There’s always a “but” when Madrid wins. Real Madrid’s motivation is to win, but regardless, you need an identity, but not just one.
Barça’s style
Barça created its history through a clear playing identity with players of that profile like Xavi, Iniesta, Messi, and Busquets. The coach has to adapt to the players he has. With what Barça had, it was the most appropriate way to play football.
Xavi’s dismissal
It’s part of a coach’s job, Xavi will understand. When there are no good relations between the club and the coach, the best thing to do is to part ways. It happened to me with Napoli, Bayern, and Chelsea. Separation is a good thing for Barcelona and Xavi.
His return to Madrid three years ago
I called to see if I could sign players for Everton and asked if they already had a coach. I said they should sign the best for Madrid… and I said “did you forget 2014? (the year of the Decima)”. Then everything happened very quickly.
Bellingham
He’s very mature, very serious, he doesn’t seem like a 20-year-old. He doesn’t look like a kid like Arda Güler. Jude is more like a brother than a son. A lot of seriousness, a lot of professionalism, little ego.
A team without ego
There’s very little ego, and that’s a very important aspect of this team. Ego isn’t bad, but it needs to be distinguished from personality. For example, I’ve never had a player with the character, the balls, of Sergio Ramos, it was a spectacle. Pepe, little ego and a lot of personality. Cristiano Ronaldo, a lot of ego and a lot of personality. But ego isn’t necessarily bad, it goes hand in hand with personality.
Toni Kroos
He wants to finish in style. I would also like to finish like that, lift the trophy and say goodbye. He thought it was the right time, and I respect that. It will affect us a bit, we’ll have to replace him. We have an idea of how to proceed with Camavinga or Tchouaméni. We may have to play a more direct football.
Modric
Everyone has the right to choose their moment. Luka had a fantastic season. He struggled to understand that he was playing less, but I talked to him when Casemiro was still here. After the Paris final, at the beginning of the season, I talked to Luka, Casemiro, and Kroos and told them they would play less. That’s what I asked for, and I also ask for patience from young players.
And Mbappé?
I mainly think about Real Madrid. I’ve known many clubs, but Madrid and Milan have something special. I suffered a lot the other day with the defeat in the Euroleague final.
Ballon d’Or
It’s a battle between Vinicius and Bellingham. We’ll see what happens in the final, the European Championship, and the Copa América.
Vinicius
He’s someone very focused. He has suffered a lot from insults, but he has always been very focused. We have worked a lot with him on the field. He has improved a lot in the game, and he has adapted to the inside game. We will adapt to the players we have, it’s not negotiable.
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