Carlo Ancelotti’s Sad Truth Ahead of the Quarter-Finals Against Arsenal: “It’s Impossible”

Real Madrid is gearing up for another pivotal clash in the Champions League, this time against Premier League contenders Arsenal. The match, set to take place at the Emirates Stadium on Monday, has all the makings of a high-stakes encounter. Real Madrid, fresh from playing heavyweights like Liverpool, Dortmund, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid, now faces an Arsenal side that is as formidable as it is organized.

Arsenal, a well-balanced team capable of both offensive flair and defensive resilience, will look to exploit their home advantage and secure a crucial victory ahead of the return leg at Santiago Bernabéu next week. For Carlo Ancelotti’s squad, the aim is clear: to come away with a positive result that gives them a fighting chance in the second leg.

Ahead of the match, Ancelotti sat down with the press at the Emirates to discuss the upcoming game, his thoughts on the squad’s form, and the challenges they face. Here’s a breakdown of the key moments from the press conference:

The Key Ingredients for Success

When asked about the crucial elements for a successful outing against Arsenal, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of character. “We need personality to perform at our best,” he said. “It’s vital to execute the match we’ve planned, and that requires a strong mental approach.”

Handling the Pressure on Vinicius

Vinicius Junior has been under intense scrutiny this season, with critics quick to point out any perceived drop in form. When asked about the whistles directed at Vinicius, Ancelotti responded firmly, stating, “I haven’t spoken to him because it’s not necessary. I know he could have played better, but every time he’s not at his best, he comes back stronger in the next match.”

Penalty Takers and Tactical Approach

On the subject of penalty-taking responsibilities, Ancelotti revealed that the team has discussed and planned for it. “We’ve thought about it and we’ll manage it well tomorrow,” he remarked. As for the match itself, the Real Madrid manager reiterated the need for a thorough game plan: “The only thing I ask is to prepare well. Arsenal is a very complete team, they defend well in a low block, and they manage transitions effectively. We need to have clear ideas and execute them properly.”

Valverde’s Role: Midfielder or Full-Back?

One of the most pressing tactical questions for Ancelotti involves Fede Valverde’s role. “It’s a doubt,” Ancelotti admitted. “He does both roles very well, and we’ll see where he can be most useful for the team.”

Raul Asencio’s Absence

When questioned about Raul Asencio’s omission from the matchday squad against Valencia, Ancelotti explained, “He was rested. He was fatigued.” The decision to rotate players, especially with the intensity of the fixtures, has been a regular theme for Ancelotti this season.

Belief in Real Madrid’s Title Hopes

Despite the mounting pressure and the high stakes of the Champions League, Ancelotti remained resolute in his belief that Real Madrid can still challenge for trophies. “Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I would be planning my holidays. We are here to fight for titles until the very end. And to win, you have to keep trying. It may not go well, and if that happens, we will think about next season.”

Dealing with the Critics

Ancelotti was also asked about whether he feels burdened by the constant media criticism. With a touch of humor, he replied, “Maybe, I don’t know. But what matters is that the most important person at this club doesn’t tire of it.” The coach’s confidence in the backing from club leadership remains strong, despite the intense scrutiny.

Focusing on the Task at Hand

As the press conference continued, Ancelotti reiterated the team’s focus on the match at hand. “We don’t have time to think about the critics, not with a game every three days,” he said. “After Valencia, we analyzed the match and prepared for this one. We have 90 minutes to play that are very important. They are not decisive because there will still be another 90 minutes at the Bernabéu.”

The Role of Experience in Big Matches

When asked whether experience would play a significant role in the upcoming encounter, Ancelotti stressed its importance. “Experience is crucial in this tournament. Knowing how to handle the pressure and playing in these kinds of matches is vital. It helps the younger players, too.”

Arsenal’s Set-Piece Threat

One of the major concerns for Ancelotti’s side is Arsenal’s proficiency in set-pieces. “Arsenal is very dangerous on set-pieces,” he said. “We’ll try to defend as well as possible. But we also need to be clinical in our own opportunities. Set-pieces are a crucial part of the game.”

Thoughts on Martin Ødegaard’s Evolution

Ancelotti was full of praise for former Real Madrid player Martin Ødegaard, who has flourished since leaving Madrid. “His talent is the same as it was when he was 16,” Ancelotti said. “But he’s developed the character and courage to leave and now plays for one of the best teams in Europe. At Real Madrid, there wasn’t the space for him to show his full potential with players like Benzema and Ronaldo around.”

Camavinga and Rüdiger’s Suspension Risk

The risk of suspension for key players like Eduardo Camavinga and Antonio Rüdiger was another topic discussed. Ancelotti seemed unbothered by the possibility, stating, “It doesn’t change anything. If they can’t play, others will step in. Like Tchouaméni, who won’t be playing tomorrow.”

Praise for Mikel Arteta

In reflecting on Arsenal’s remarkable rise under Mikel Arteta, Ancelotti had nothing but respect. “He has brought this team to the top. He’s built a complete team, and there aren’t many teams in Europe as complete as Arsenal,” Ancelotti remarked.

The Need for More Rotations

Ancelotti admitted that more rotations were needed this season, but the squad’s injury troubles had limited their effectiveness. “It’s difficult to always be at 100%. If you’re mentally ready, you can’t always be physically ready,” he explained. “This year, rotations were more necessary than usual, but we couldn’t do it due to injuries. I gave Asencio some rest the other day because he was exhausted. But physically, the team is doing well.”

Conclusion: Ancelotti’s Resolve

As the quarter-finals loom, Carlo Ancelotti faces the challenge of navigating through one of the most difficult periods in his Real Madrid tenure. With a team that’s aging but still packed with talent, and a squad that has had to battle injuries and fatigue, the road ahead is anything but easy. But with his experience and leadership, Ancelotti remains confident in his ability to guide Real Madrid through the challenges that lie ahead, with the dream of another European crown still alive.

As Real Madrid prepares for their showdown with Arsenal, the questions are mounting—can Ancelotti overcome the critics and lead his team to another Champions League triumph? The answer, as always, lies on the pitch.