Carlo Ancelotti has confessed he is “very optimistic over the end of the season” as Real Madrid face the challenge of winning the treble –La Liga, Copa del Rey and Champions League.
The Italian manager admitted Los Blancos “can lose or win all titles, but if I was given the chance to choose a squad to face this season ending, I would always pick Real Madrid’s, because it has youth, experience, talent and character.”
In an interview with Spanish newspaper El Mundo, Ancelotti shared his views on the Copa del Rey final: “It will be levelled and very tense. I hope to see a Madrid that takes the lead, which is not easy against Barcelona, because their philosophy is to control possession. I think that will be the key.”
Asked about Cristiano Ronaldo’s injury, Los Merengues boss explained they are not going “to take any risks.” “If he isn’t fit, the system will not change. Players are convinced and comfortable. They’ve got faith and I see them in fine conditions, he added.”
The Italian believes “the key to win the final will be showing all our own strengths rather than focusing on limiting those of the rival.”
When questioned about the referee for the final, Antonio Mateu Lahoz, Ancelotti said “I haven’t even asked about him. I never speak about referees with the players. That doesn’t bother me.”
Ancelotti also spoke about the game against Borussia Dortmund: “I tried to encourage players at half-time, because their mood was very pessimistic. I did a few readjustments. It wasn’t easy but we improved. It seemed it was a tragedy, but at the end we were in the draw.”
Asier Illarramendi was very criticised for his poor game in Dortmund. “I spoke to him because I saw him affected, and he responded well against Almeria. He’s a serious and dedicated boy,” Ancelotti said.
