Ancelotti talks Vinicius, Vallejo, Guardiola, Rodri, Ballon d’Or ahead of Man City vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti’s Real Madrid will face one of their most important fixtures of the season tomorrow when they take on Manchester City in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League knockout playoffs.

Having finished outside the top eight in the league phase, Real Madrid have to go through an additional round to secure their spot in the Round of 16 and face a big challenge in the form of Manchester City.

The first leg of the tie will take place tomorrow at the Etihad Stadium with both teams eager to gain an advantage before the return fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Real Madrid boss Ancelotti addressed the media on the eve of the game, terming the battle between the two teams as a Clasico of the Champions League.

“It feels like a Clasico in this competition, because we’ve played each other so many times. It will be entertaining and evenly matched, like the previous ones,” said the Italian.

“It’s very difficult to predict what will happen, because it will depend a lot on attitude, quality, confidence and personality. These are matches of such a high level that you have to be at your best in all aspects.”

On being further asked if this tie can be seen as a European Clasico, he noted: “Yes, they are probably the toughest opponents of all. Against the toughest coach.

“The team that goes through will have a good chance of going far in the competition. As has been the case in recent years.”

The Real Madrid boss then spoke about the form that Vinicius Jr. has shown, praising him despite the Brazilian’s rather inconsistent run, saying:

“It’s been very good, bearing in mind that he’s suffered two injuries… and that hasn’t allowed him to have continuity. He has 17 goals, many assists and has been very decisive in many games.

“All this, despite the fact that injuries have not allowed him to have continuity.”

The Real Madrid boss was asked if the Brazilian feels anxious after missing out on the Ballon d’Or last year, to which he said:

“No. I don’t see him as anxious, but fine. Even if he’s not at 100%, he’s not far away. The second half of the derby… He made the difference.

“He was a nightmare on the left flank and created a lot of problems. He’s very well, motivated. He’s looking forward to playing.”

The club’s decision to boycott the Ballon d’Or ceremony last year also came up and Ancelotti explained their stance, saying:

“I don’t think so. We didn’t want to participate because we believed Vinicius should have won the Ballon d’Or. And that’s not to say that we don’t respect Rodri, but we thought he should have won it the year before, not this year.”

Ancelotti believes Vinicius is enjoying a good season. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

On being asked whether form holds a lot of sway heading into big matches like these, Ancelotti remarked:

“It’s not so indicative, because everyone has their own opinion on this. I maintain that City are one of the best in Europe, they have the best coach in this competition at the moment and that this is the toughest game we could have.

“If you’re not 100%, you don’t win. But we feel competitive, despite the ‘emergency’ we have.”

It will be a special occasion for Ancelotti tomorrow as he can go past Miguel Munoz to become the Real Madrid manager with most games in the UCL. On whether he feels prepared to face the music if his team are eliminated, he replied:

“Yes, yes, I certainly am. And above all, because of the history I have. When I play a knockout game… there’s a risk that it won’t go well. And this one increases if you face one of the best teams and one of the best coaches. But we are prepared.”

On being asked to pick one quality of Pep Guardiola that he would like to have in his team and name one virtue of his that would benefit the Man City boss, Ancelotti remarked:

“What I can say is that I think he is a coach who has brought a lot to football: possession, attacking play, pressing and coming out from the back. He is an innovator in football and I have a lot of respect for him. He is one of the best, if not the best.

“Every time we play against each other, it’s a nightmare to prepare for the games, because he always has ideas that make you think.”

On whether he has been surprised by Man City’s uncharacteristically poor form this season, the Real Madrid manager noted:

“I’m surprised, of course. They had a difficult period, with injuries and defeats, but now, from what I’ve seen, they are a very competitive team, as always. I don’t doubt whether City are strong. I can’t do that.”

About the difference in spending between the two clubs during the January transfer window, he said:

“Everyone has their own opinion and the right to do what they want. Nothing to add.”

Ancelotti also briefly touched upon the situation of Jesus Vallejo, clarifying why the defender is not a major part of his plans, saying:

“There’s absolutely nothing going on. He’s training, he’s fine. But his contract is up and we prefer to give more chances to young players.”

In recent years, each time Real Madrid have eliminated Manchester City, they have gone on to win the UEFA Champions League while the Cityzens won their only trophy after dumping out the Merengues. Discussing that, Ancelotti noted:

“It’s always a headache. But that’s the reality: when City have knocked us out, they’ve been champions; and vice versa. I’m convinced that whoever goes through will go far in the competition.

“The surprise is that we will be playing in a playoff… and if we are here, it’s not UEFA’s fault, it’s ours. But it’s surprising, because this match could have been a final, semi-final or quarter-final. But, I repeat: it’s only our fault.”

Source: AS