‘I believe a lot in the creativity of players’ – Ancelotti on his football philosophy | OneFootball

After a rigorous season brimming with highs and some lows, Real Madrid now see the finish line in sight.

The UEFA Champions League final offers the Merengues the opportunity to savour the fruits of their labour as they are one step away from lifting the elusive trophy.

With merely a few days left before the clash commences, coach Carlo Ancelotti has given an interview to the UEFA team, discussing the importance of the fixture and his team’s attitude heading into the game.

Enjoying the occasion

Los Blancos are going through a spectacular moment, having just recently won La Liga. Ancelotti thus shed light on the club’s ascendance and how the team must savour the occasion.

“I try to take advantage of the moment and now is a very good moment. The concern will come, but the goal is to make it arrive as late as possible.

“We have to enjoy the moment, the great game, the most important of the year and the most beautiful to live,” he claimed via the official Madrid website.

“We are very happy to be in another final. Borussia Dortmund deserves to be in the final, as does Real Madrid. It is a solid, compact team with great individuality,” he commended both teams.

Praising Real Madrid’s best qualities

The Italian coach applauded Real Madrid’s unity and concentration, praising his men’s ability to never lose sight of the ultimate goal.

“The best quality that the team has shown this year is everyone’s attitude, concentration and teamwork.

“I think that has made the difference in this season, which has been very good despite the difficulties at the beginning. We can say that the best qualities of this team are competitiveness, seriousness and the ability to overcome any obstacle,” he lauded.

Another successful season for Ancelotti and Real Madrid. (Photo by OSCAR DEL POZO/AFP via Getty Images)

Fighting till the end

Real Madrid have enjoyed many late wins and sealed some stunning comebacks. Ancelotti highlighted that the ‘never give up attitude’ stems from the pride one feels donning the royal white jersey.

“It is difficult to explain what a player feels when he puts on this shirt. It is the history and tradition of this club.

“This group of players feels something special about being at Real Madrid and that makes us get that energy that no one expects,” the coach remarked.

The secret behind his permanence

After earning a contract renewal in December last year, coach Carlo Ancelotti will lead his side for an additional campaign.

The four-time Champions League winner claimed the reason for his longevity is that he continues to be passionate about his work.

“First of all, I am going to say two things: passion and not obsession. I think obsession is a disease and fortunately, I am not obsessed. Passion prevails and it is what keeps me going,” Ancelotti professed.

Ancelotti’s philosophy

The 64-year-old argued that he avoids rigid schemes and encourages players’ individual initiative. Creativity, he claims, is paramount.

“I believe a lot in the creativity of the players when they have the ball and I don’t want to obsess them with predefined schemes, but rather leave it to their individual initiative.

“Obviously, there is work without the ball, sacrifice and concentration, I do insist on that more at a tactical level, but creativity is essential, especially in players like ours, with so much talent,” he remarked.