Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has stated that he and Atletico Madrid’s Diego Simeone have similar perspectives on football. However, he admitted that this season presents greater difficulties for Real Madrid.
Real Madrid is preparing to play against Atletico in the Champions League Round of 16 second leg. They won the first leg with a score of 2-1.
“This game gives us the opportunity to continue our Champions League dream, as we have in previous years,” Ancelotti mentioned during a press conference.
“This season is proving to be more challenging, but our confidence to compete until the very end remains unchanged.”
“For this game, I have a wide selection of players available. Even those who start on the bench can make a significant impact when they come on. A strategic substitution could be decisive in this match.”
Ancelotti has been under pressure this season, despite Real Madrid leading La Liga and being level on points with Barcelona, who have played one game less.
“The players are the ones who secure victories. And when there’s a defeat, the responsibility falls on me,” Ancelotti explained.
“This is part of being a coach at Real Madrid. The coach is always the one who is held responsible. I accept this because I am in a highly desirable position. I love my job, and many aspire to be in my place, so I embrace this responsibility.”
Finally, Ancelotti expressed his respect for Simeone: “I rate him as a top-level football coach, and we have a very similar outlook on the game.”