Ancelotti: “It's a two-legged tie and we'll have to play well in both games'
“It's a pleasure to watch Vinicius play, for the game of football and for the fans', said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti assessed the Champions League Round of 16 first-leg meeting with Liverpool in the press room at Anfield: “We're back in action and we're eager to do a good job like we did last year. We know it's a very tough tie and it's not just this game, we have to play well here and in the return leg but we can't wait to get back to playing in this competition'.
“The final is a beautiful memory but it was an evenly-matched game. They may have had more of the ball but we were good at the back. When you manage to do that against Liverpool, you always have the chance of picking up a result. This is different because there are two games and we have to be focused, we have to play well for a long time'.
Benzema set to start
'He looks in good shape and he'll start the match. He and all the rest of us are keen to get this next stage of the Champions League underway. The memory of last year is still fresh in our minds'.
Vini Jr.'s condition
“He loves playing football wherever he is, even more so in big games like the one tomorrow. It's a pleasure to watch Vinicius play, not just for football, every fan loves seeing such quality and talent. It's a joy like it is to watch Pedri, Gavi, Mbappé, Haaland... It's good for the game to have that quality'.
'I hope they are doing something about those responsible for the racist abuse he's received. Vinicius is handling it all really well. He loves playing football and it's not affecting his performances on the pitch'.
Replacements in the centre of the park
'We're still in transition but this is a forced transition we weren't hoping for. It's happened now and we have to get used to it. I'm not worried though because we've looked really good with the guys who have come in for Tchouameni or Kroos. We have great faith in the squad'.
Has Modrić proven he deserves to stay on?
“Modrić has had the career he's had and continues to show. He struggled a bit in January but now he's back to his best and I think he'll continue to grow. I'm sure he will because his fitness is fantastic and he's also hungry to keep playing for Real Madrid”.
Return to Anfield
“I have great memories. It was during the pandemic but it was a good time. It's always good to go back to a great stadium with an incredible atmosphere. We'll hopefully do the best we can”.
Attacking or defensive approach
“That's what I'm weighing up and I'll consider it until tomorrow. The doubt is whether to go with a more controlled team at the back or a more attacking one up top. I am unsure on that front but pleased I don't have to make the decision on my own'.
“The final is a beautiful memory but it was an evenly-matched game. They may have had more of the ball but we were good at the back. When you manage to do that against Liverpool, you always have the chance of picking up a result. This is different because there are two games and we have to be focused, we have to play well for a long time'.
Benzema set to start
'He looks in good shape and he'll start the match. He and all the rest of us are keen to get this next stage of the Champions League underway. The memory of last year is still fresh in our minds'.
Vini Jr.'s condition
“He loves playing football wherever he is, even more so in big games like the one tomorrow. It's a pleasure to watch Vinicius play, not just for football, every fan loves seeing such quality and talent. It's a joy like it is to watch Pedri, Gavi, Mbappé, Haaland... It's good for the game to have that quality'.
'I hope they are doing something about those responsible for the racist abuse he's received. Vinicius is handling it all really well. He loves playing football and it's not affecting his performances on the pitch'.
Replacements in the centre of the park
'We're still in transition but this is a forced transition we weren't hoping for. It's happened now and we have to get used to it. I'm not worried though because we've looked really good with the guys who have come in for Tchouameni or Kroos. We have great faith in the squad'.
Has Modrić proven he deserves to stay on?
“Modrić has had the career he's had and continues to show. He struggled a bit in January but now he's back to his best and I think he'll continue to grow. I'm sure he will because his fitness is fantastic and he's also hungry to keep playing for Real Madrid”.
Return to Anfield
“I have great memories. It was during the pandemic but it was a good time. It's always good to go back to a great stadium with an incredible atmosphere. We'll hopefully do the best we can”.
Attacking or defensive approach
“That's what I'm weighing up and I'll consider it until tomorrow. The doubt is whether to go with a more controlled team at the back or a more attacking one up top. I am unsure on that front but pleased I don't have to make the decision on my own'.
Last meeting at Anfield
“I have great memories of that game. Liverpool have changed a lot since then, they have a much stronger, powerful team, with greater quality. We might be able to replicate the attitude and commitment from that game but I think it'll be tough to match the result'.
Learning from Liverpool
“I don't think Madrid or Liverpool's quality has changed much. We're in for an intense game with lots of pressure. It'll be a game where you don't get a second to think because they press so well. We know that very well and we're ready for it”.
Defensive elements
“I think we did well last time out. We picked up two clean sheets before the Club World Cup and we've come back and done the same. The team is getting used to defending well and avoiding mistakes. Defence will be absolutely crucial tomorrow and I believe we'll give a good account of ourselves”.
Changes to law over racism
“Racism is a very serious and very complicated issue. There is no law that can change the way a person thinks. That has to change through culture and common sense. I don't blame Spain for this, it happens everywhere. I would like to see a change in respect for people, that's what we have to think about. I'm delighted to live in Madrid and nobody is thinking about leaving the country, which is amazing in every sense”.
Chances of winning the Champions League
“We've got a better chance today than we did yesterday. There has been greater evaluations over whether Madrid can win it this year than there were last year”.
Liverpool's greatest concern
“I would say their greatest concern will be Real Madrid. I can't name a single player, Madrid worry Liverpool, and Liverpool worry Madrid”.
“I have great memories of that game. Liverpool have changed a lot since then, they have a much stronger, powerful team, with greater quality. We might be able to replicate the attitude and commitment from that game but I think it'll be tough to match the result'.
Learning from Liverpool
“I don't think Madrid or Liverpool's quality has changed much. We're in for an intense game with lots of pressure. It'll be a game where you don't get a second to think because they press so well. We know that very well and we're ready for it”.
Defensive elements
“I think we did well last time out. We picked up two clean sheets before the Club World Cup and we've come back and done the same. The team is getting used to defending well and avoiding mistakes. Defence will be absolutely crucial tomorrow and I believe we'll give a good account of ourselves”.
Changes to law over racism
“Racism is a very serious and very complicated issue. There is no law that can change the way a person thinks. That has to change through culture and common sense. I don't blame Spain for this, it happens everywhere. I would like to see a change in respect for people, that's what we have to think about. I'm delighted to live in Madrid and nobody is thinking about leaving the country, which is amazing in every sense”.
Chances of winning the Champions League
“We've got a better chance today than we did yesterday. There has been greater evaluations over whether Madrid can win it this year than there were last year”.
Liverpool's greatest concern
“I would say their greatest concern will be Real Madrid. I can't name a single player, Madrid worry Liverpool, and Liverpool worry Madrid”.