Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid Manager has in a press interview revealed how they will stop Manchester City in the first leg of the Champions League Semi-final.
Los Blancos will host Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu for the first leg of the Champions league semi-final. This happens to be the second time Real Madrid will face the Cityzens in a semi final after Los Blancos eliminated Manchester City with an Eleventh hour comeback last season.
The Real Madrid Manager in addressing the press ahead of the match revealed how he was going to halt the Norwegian Goal Machine Erling Halaand. He mentioned the team’s preparedness physically, mentally and said that the second leg will decide the outcome of the tie. However he wants to take advantage of the first leg.
He emphasized his team’s effort to stop the English team as a whole and not Erling Halaand per se “He’s very dangerous. He’s incredibly impressive when it comes to scoring goals, that’s obvious. Talking about Haaland means not just talking about one player, but also about a complete team that attacks and has lots of ideas… Our game plan isn’t just to stop Haaland, but rather to stop a team that seems unstoppable. But I think it’s possible for us. We can win.” He said.
Luca Modric, a key player for Real Madrid is to start the game this evening after a slight injury. Ancelotti confirmed the midfielder is fit and will play in the first leg.
He commended the revolution that has taken place in Manchester City under the watch of Pep Gurardiola but reiterated Real Madrid is on the same level with their opponent.
“We’re at the same level. It’s difficult to judge the players’ physical conditions. What matters is our motivation and levels of enthusiasm. Winning the Copa del Rey will also be an additional motivation.”
On his midfield set up against the Cityzens, Ancelotti stated Luca Modric will play with two others as Eduardo Camavinga plays as a wing back. “With the ball, he changes and moves into central midfield. Sometimes he even plays between the lines. He’s not a full-back who pushes forward on the outside. Out wide, we have Vinicius, who is quite dangerous. He’s only a full-back when we don’t have the ballngWe’re really up for it.” He added.
On whether he was going to defend more or attack, the Manager mentioned that, defending well will produce a draw as the worst outcome. However, he will attack. “Let’s not forget that last year we conceded five goals against City and scored six in two matches. I would sign up for that again this year.” He stated.
The second leg is slated for Wednesday 16th May at the Etihad Stadium, London