Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hopes that Manchester City will not qualify for the next stage in the Champions League.
Manchester City was defeated by Paris Saint-Germain with a score of (4-2), and is in 25th place with 8 points.
Ancelotti spoke after Real Madrid’s victory over Salzburg (5-1), praising the strength of his team’s attack, and highlighting the defensive crisis.
Ancelotti said: “The goal was to win, and to try to play a good match. We started a little weak at the beginning, but we fixed things well. We have no doubt about the quality of the players in attack.”
He added: “After that, we tried to fix other things and improve them in every match, and the efficiency we have in attack is amazing. We have to fix other things, but we are in a good period, and in a positive dynamic.”
He continued: “I’m not angry about the goal we conceded. Rudiger played very well, Alaba is back, Asensio is playing… This is the key to this year. If we can maintain a collective commitment, we will be able to succeed and exploit the quality we have in attack.”
Regarding his player, Jude Bellingham, and his replacement during the match, he said: “He has some problems in his back, but nothing special. I had the option of reducing one of the players’ playing minutes, so I decided to rest Bellingham and Mbappe so that they could rest in preparation for Saturday’s match (against Real Valladolid).” “.
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Regarding the possibility of Real Madrid facing a difficult opponent in the next stage of the Champions League, Ancelotti stressed: “No one knows. The only thing that is clear is that we must win the last match, and this is not a new thing in this club.”
-Regarding qualification expectations, he insisted: “There is not much to do. Win the last match. It is very difficult to be among the top eight.”
Regarding Kylian Mbappé being a leader in the team, Ancelotti pointed out: “He is, according to his teammates, and there is no problem scoring goals with these players. It was a good match.”
He continued: “There is a lot of creativity on the offensive level. I think we need to improve our defensive work. We will never have a problem scoring goals. It’s about the defensive position.”
Regarding giving David Alaba more minutes, I continued: “Alaba is very close to playing as a starter. He has gotten a little more minutes. It is more about how he feels when the match starts. I see him comfortable, and there is no doubt about that. When he tells me he is ready, I will put him as a starter.” .
He continued regarding the match: “I loved the fifth goal, the movement, and the individuality they showed… The players we have are amazing.”
Regarding Rodrigo’s right to be a starter, he stressed: “It is clear, yes. He scores in every match. He helps us a lot, and we will enjoy these offensive capabilities more when we defend better.”
Regarding the key to defense, he explained: “To be as cohesive as possible, whether in low or advanced defense, and to know when to put pressure on the opponent. All of this is considered a collective problem. As I have said several times, teams that defend well win.”
He concluded regarding Manchester City and the possibility of bidding farewell to the tournament: “It would be good for Manchester City to get out of the way now, because for me they are one of the favorites to win the Champions League again.”
