Atletico de Madrid will provide a stern test in the two-legged Spanish Super Cup despite losing some big players this summer, says Carlo Ancelotti.
The Real Madrid boss told journalists at a press conference ahead of the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu that their city rivals had bought wisely following the departures of Diego Costa, Felipe Luis and Thibaut Courtois. Of the new arrivals at the Calderon, the stand out names are Antoine Griezmann and Mario Mandzukic.
And Ancelotti said Atletico would be as competitive this season as they were last campaign.
“There are no favourites in this tie. It is a two-leg tie, 180 minutes, and we have to prepare well. The first match will not be decisive but we will try and take the lead and put in a good performance,” Ancelotti commented.
And he continued: “Atlético have changed a little because they have signed some big players. Their style has not changed and it will be a difficult match, as it was last season.”
The Italian also spoke about his own new signings and whether they would have an impact on his tactical system.
“In the midfield the attacking player has to be more dynamic, while the player who is closer to the centre-backs has to be tactically quick and move the ball quickly and decisively. I’m not thinking about changing the system. I’ll use the same system as last year. In a match I may change something, but just at particular points of the games,” the manager told reporters.
