Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said his team will take Schalke seriously in the Champions League match at the Santiago Bernabeu and wants his players to prepare well for this weekend’s Clasico against Barcelona.
Los Blancos beat the German outfit 6-1 in the first leg of their last-16 tie, virtually guaranteeing their progress to the quarter-final without a ball even being kicked in the return leg.
But speaking at his press conference ahead of the match, Ancelotti said he wants his players to respect the opposition. He added that with Real on a 30-game unbeaten run in all competitions, he wants to take that momentum in the La Liga clash at the weekend against the reigning champions.
“The team is fine and playing well against Schalke is the best way to prepare for the Clásico. We are excited and keen to play well because it is a Champions League match and we must maintain the team’s good form,” he said.
Ancelotti, who has won the Champions League twice as a manager, revealed he will make some changes to the side to give player a break after a heavy schedule. He confirmed the likes of Jese Rodriguez, Alvaro Morata and Isco will all play.
“Jesé will start, as will Morata and Cristiano Ronaldo. Jesé is lucky to be with me here today because my first appearance before the press in the European Cup was at 30 years of age,” he stated.
And he added: “If I don’t change my mind, Isco will play. He has to get used to that position, above all the defensive side of it, and we are training in that position. Both he and I are confident he can do well there.”
