Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his confidence ahead of the first clash with Manchester City of the 1/4-finals in the Champions League, writes Sportal.
The Italian coach stressed that each of the two teams has its strengths, and the one that prevails in the overall clash and moves forward will prove to be better. The Italian also indicated problems that in “los blancos” they had last campaign against this opponent when they crashed out in the semi-finals.
“It is important to get the best out of this match. The mental aspect is very important in such encounters and we must show courage and individuality. Last year we lacked those things in the second leg. It was obvious that we didn't play good football in certain situations and didn't do our best. They put a lot of pressure on us and we had no alternative solutions. Now we want to avoid that. We prepared well because we had time and I am confident that we will show the best that we have in every respect - physically, mentally, technically, because we have enough quality.
This will be a very attractive match for the whole world. These two teams have very quality players and they will show a very high technical level. We surpass them in certain respects, they are better in others. Guardiola is a great coach, there is no doubt about that. I don't care what he thinks about me. It only matters what my club and my players think,” declared Ancelotti.
These two rivals will face each other in the knockout stages of the Champions League for the third consecutive year.