Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a press conference to analyze the second leg of the Cup semifinal between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Camp Nou. The Italian made it clear that “The idea is not to go crazy to score a goal, because we can score it in the 90th minute. The idea is to control the game well and manage it. If you play a complete game you will score. We were very close to winning the last game at the Camp Nou. The line will not change. We want to play a complete game, at the level of play the last two have not gone badly but we did not hit the top. These matches are decided by small details, not by a change in the system.”
Modric and Kroos, untouchable or starters?
Regarding the possible starters in this match, Carletto sent an enigmatic message: “Kroos and Modric are untouchable, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to play tomorrow. There are many untouchables, but then you have to choose an eleven. I have to think about the resources I have on the bench. Starting is not the most important thing… The important thing is to be the protagonist”.
Turning around with the eleven, he hid his cards regarding whether his bet will be for the energy of the youngsters or the experience of the veterans: “Energy is important, as is an effective start from behind because it can give you an advantage in transitions. The experience we have is an important aspect as well. They are all things that can be evaluated. I think energy is important, but it’s not the only thing.”
The referee and the VAR
Asked about the role of refereeing and VAR, Ancelotti distanced himself from this debate: “I prefer to think about the game and not about what they are going to whistle or about the VAR”. And it was more categorical when they asked him about his future: “I don’t talk about my future.”
The Madrid coach avoided comparisons with Xavi, who has beaten him in the last three clásicos: “It’s very difficult to talk about an individual confrontation between the coaches. Barça have beaten us in the last three games and now it’s time to beat them.”
