Carlo Ancelotti appeared at the press conference ahead of the Champions League final, in which Real Madrid face Borussia Dortmund at Wembley (Saturday, 9:00pm CEST):”We’ve had the time we need to prepare for the game. The team is focused and concentrated, in the dressing room there is the necessary confidence to be at our best. We have to be confident to play the most important game of the season. We always have a lot of respect for our opponents, who fully deserve to have reached the final. Let’s hope that everything goes well.”
“I’m very happy to be here, it’s not the first time and hopefully not the last. We’ve had a good time in the run-up to this type of match. Afterwards, there will be the usual pre-match jitters, but I’m confident. I know my players will give their all, as will Rodrygo. He’s a very important player for us and will be in the future, we have no doubt about that.”
Starting goalkeeper
“Lunin has been suffering from flu and hasn’t been able to travel or train . He’s travelling tomorrow and will be on the bench, so Courtois will start.”
Rational or emotional approach
“For me the most important thing in this type of game is to get clear ideas in the players’ heads about what to do on the pitch. When I’m clearer, the team is less nervous, I will focus a lot on the tactical aspect. Emotions come and everyone handles them with the character they have. We will have negative emotions before the game of fear and worry, but they’re an important part of doing things well. I’m very confident because the team has shown fantastic quality throughout the season. Another very important component is the collective sacrifice and attitude. This team has been able to show that throughout the season. Sacrifice and quality will be the key for tomorrow.”
Sensations
“One thing is playing this type of match, which is the most important match of the season. And another thing is that we’re playing at Wembley because it’s a historic stadium. We’re happy to play here and we hope our team will be at its best tomorrow.”
Character of the team
“It’s difficult to answer because it depends. There’s something special about this club. It’s not a coincidence, there is something important that I can’t quite put my finger on. It could be its history, its tradition, the quality and character of these players… It’s happened many times and it’s not a coincidence.”
Differences with La Décima
“I’m 10 years older, but I still feel young. The first time I was in the final with Real Madrid was 10 years ago and I’ve learned a lot since then. We are capable of doing a fantastic job with this generation. There are some players who were here 10 years ago and are still here. Thanks to those players and this club we’ve been able to achieve something really important. It’s unbelievable when you think about it.”
Obligation to win
“It’s not an obsession, the obsession is to compete and try to do our best. We’ve done that this season and last season as well. There are times when things don’t go the way you want them to. Obviously, winning the Champions League is something very important and I think we can already say that this team’s season has been very successful, regardless of what happens tomorrow.”
Overcoming difficulties
“It’s a question of attitude and spirit. During the season the players have had the opportunity to show their concentration and their attitude in every game. We saw the problem of losing Benzema and other players as an opportunity to improve.”
Feelings
“A final is a final. It’s the most important match and also the most perilous. You have to enjoy the fact that we’re here and then you have to worry about what could go wrong. It’s very close to the most important thing in football, which is to win the Champions League. There is the fear that it might slip away, but that’s how it is. We’re extremely happy to be here because it’s very difficult to get to play in a final. Things have to work out very well: you have to have a little bit of luck, never give up… When you’re in the final you’re very close to success and then you start to worry. Tomorrow the fear and worry will start, which is normal. The more fear you have, the greater the joy of winning.”