Ancelotti will ask Real Madrid squad to avoid complacency in Man City decider | OneFootball

After securing a comeback 3-2 win over Manchester City in the first leg of their UEFA Champions League knockout playoff tie, Real Madrid have one foot through the door for the Round of 16.

However, the job is not yet done as the two teams will square off again at the Santiago Bernabeu next week in the second leg.

Ancelotti wants players to not get carried away

Ahead of the big game, AS reports that Carlo Ancelotti has communicated to Real Madrid’s leadership his plan to hold a meeting with the team captains, urging them to keep the squad grounded following their victory in Manchester.

The Italian will then personally address the entire squad, stressing the need to remain fully focused for the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Manchester City next Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ancelotti wants Real Madrid players not to get complacent. (Photo by Molly Darlington/Getty Images)

Ancelotti anticipates that the Cityzens will approach the return leg with desperation, throwing everything forward in search of a comeback.

As such, the Real Madrid boss is determined to ensure that his players do not lose the qualities that earned them success in England – work ethic, unity, teamwork, and concentration.

The Real Madrid coach carries painful memories of a similar scenario. In the 2005 Champions League final, his AC Milan side led Liverpool 3-0 at half-time, only to concede three goals in six minutes before losing on penalties.

That painful lesson has shaped Ancelotti’s cautious approach to the upcoming match. His priority in the days leading up to the second leg will be to reinforce the importance of finishing the job against Manchester City.

While there will be some squad rotation in Saturday’s league fixture against Osasuna, his primary focus will be reminding his players that only half of the tie has been played.