Ancelotti: "Simeone and I Share a Very Similar Football Philosophy"

"I consider him a great coach, and we share a very similar idea of football," said Carlo Ancelotti when asked about Diego Pablo Simeone, the coach he has faced the most throughout his career, on the eve of the Metropolitano battle that will resolve another life-or-death war between Real Madrid and Atlético in the top continental competition.

"It's just a match that allows us to keep dreaming in this competition as we did last year. This year is more complicated, but we remain confident to keep fighting in this competition until the last match," emphasized the Real Madrid coach ahead of another highly demanding encounter where any aspect can make the difference. "All the matches we've played against Atlético have been very close and competitive. Sometimes we've won, and sometimes they have. Tomorrow will be the same; it will be decided by small details," predicted a coach who left a curious reflection following his statement last week about the two types of footballers he distinguishes. "If you run a lot, you might draw; if you make the difference, it's more likely you'll win the match," he asserted.

Carletto kept his cards hidden regarding the lineup against Atlético and emphasized his belief that substitutes can be as important as starters. "I have more than eleven players who can play in this match, and those who don't play can contribute when they come on. A well-made change can make the difference," stated the Real Madrid coach, who downplayed the fact that Modric has not yet started two consecutive matches this season. "It's a coincidence. I don't look at statistics to plan tomorrow's lineup. Modric shouldn't worry because I don't look at these things about never having played two consecutive matches," he concluded.

Ancelotti does not perceive a lack of chemistry between Vinicius and Mbappé. "What you've seen, I haven't seen. It seems to me they get along very well," he said about the two main stars of Real Madrid, a coach who reminded that "the players are always responsible for the victory." And for a defeat? "You already know," replied Carletto, who appeared comfortable with the fact that his position is always under scrutiny. "All coaches are very clear that the only one responsible is always the coach. It's nothing new in football. We are aware of this. For me, it's fine because I'm in a job that is very much loved, and it's fair that I have the responsibility I have to have," he specified.

He highlighted that Atlético "can play in many ways," just like "Real Madrid," and also assured that they will not practice a penalty shootout since the mental aspect is "more important" in this skill than the technical one.