MADRID.- Carlo Ancelotti They will play in the Champions League final for the eighth time and have won all but one.
He is the most successful coach in the competition thanks to his eight titles. He also lifted the top European tournament trophy twice as a player.
The veteran Italian coach does not lack experience. But there is still great anxiety and fear before another important duel.
“It’s the same as the first time,” said the 64-year-old coach before the last week of training began. Real Madrid prior to Sunday’s final in London against Borussia Dortmund.
“The fear will come, but before it comes I want to enjoy it and I am going to do it,” he said. ”The cold sweat will arrive on Saturday afternoon, I am prepared and it is normal. It comes in every game and I have experience. My team gives me a lot of confidence and enthusiasm because I see them focused and in Champions mode.”
Ancelotti won the Champions League with Madrid in 2022 and 2014, with AC Milan in 2003 and 2007. He lost the 2005 edition with Milan on penalties against Liverpool.
His triumphs as a player came with Milan in 1989 and 1990. He was also part of Roma that reached the final in 1984, but was out due to injury.
Ancelotti indicated that he will maintain his routine before the final at Wembley Stadium.
“I have my routine and it is what I am going to continue doing. I don’t do anything special. “I am superstitious because I have been taught that not being superstitious is bad luck,” he commented.
Real Madrid is special:
Ancelotti assured that his most memorable moments in the Champions League are linked to Madrid, including the 2022 season, when he had to come back on several occasions to reach the final
But he indicated that this campaign was especially difficult due to the long list of injuries to key players, including Thibaut Courtois, Éder Militão and David Alaba. Vinícius Júnior, Jude Bellingham, Eduardo Camavinga and Aurélien Tchouaméni also missed time.
Madrid, which won the Spanish league and the Spanish Super Cup, is trying to win its sixth European title in 10 seasons to match the club’s success between 1955 and 1965.
Ancelotti is more proud of the way he has managed the dressing room than of the tactics.
“I believe that a fundamental aspect in life is the interpersonal relationship, the relationship with your family, friends and those who work with you,” he said. “All of this based on a relationship of respect. I feel good doing this and I hope people understand this. The interpersonal relationship is more important than the professional relationship.”
Source: AP
