Ancelotti: "If the players listen to me, it will go well"

"The team is excited, we have a lot at stake in this match. There is confidence that we can achieve it because the last match against them was less complicated than the previous ones. That gives us confidence," stated Carlo Ancelotti on Saturday. The Italian coach of Real Madrid appeared before the media at the press conference prior to the classic and remained positive despite his team not arriving with the best feelings and despite Barcelona's three consecutive victories in such encounters.

Barcelona has found its rhythm against Real Madrid this season. The record for the whites is twelve goals conceded and only four scored. Despite this, Ancelotti believes his team can change the dynamics. "In these types of matches, you have to defend well because Barcelona pushes you into your own half. You have to exploit their weaknesses; no team is perfect. You have to manage the small details. If the players listen to me, it will go well," he assured.

This Sunday's classic is marked by Barça's elimination from the Champions League. Flick's men played a tough match against Inter Milan, but Ancelotti does not believe this will affect the morale of the Catalans. "It was a very competitive, very even match. I congratulate Inter, but Barcelona was very close. Immediately after, you have to react because it affects you, it's normal. But football gives you the chance to react immediately," he acknowledged.

Ancelotti did not want to give clues about the lineup he will field at Lluis Companys. In recent matches, he has alternated between 4-3-3 and 4-4-2, varying according to player availability. Now, with Rodrygo fully recovered, that debate is back on the table. "Rodrygo has returned and is available. There aren't many options for the starting eleven because there are many absences. So, he is an important option, as is Arda," he noted.

The match against Barça is crucial for Real Madrid and also for Ancelotti, who seeks his last chance to leave the white club on a high note with a new league title. It would be the perfect farewell from a club that has left its mark on him. "Madrid, like Milan, stays in the heart more than others, it's normal. The honeymoon continues, as in all relationships. At first, there is a lot of passion, then there are other things," he assured.

His place on the white bench will be taken by Xabi Alonso. The Basque coach has already announced that he will not continue at Bayer Leverkusen, and Ancelotti took the opportunity to welcome him to Real Madrid. "He did a fantastic job there. He has all the doors open because he has proven to be one of the best coaches in the world," he concluded.