Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Stade de France after clinching the Decimocuarta against Liverpool. The Italian Boss has been the architect of this amazing achievements, preparing the team very well throughout the season and keeping their players focused and with their feet on the ground. He becomes the only manager to win the Champions League four times.
The coach expressed himself as follows: “This European Cup has been the most difficult one. What helped us was the fact that everyone thought we couldn’t win and that made the team show commitment, confidence and fight. We’ve created a good atmosphere. Our individual quality has made the difference. We deserved to win this competition. From the last 16, we’ve had to work hard for it, but we’ve never given up”.
“We managed the game really well. It was important to get behind their defence. The back four all played really well because Liverpool couldn’t play balls in behind us. When they pressed less, we managed the game better. Liverpool haven’t lost many games this season”, he added.
The club and the fans: “It’s easier to win the Champions League with Real Madrid than with any other club because of the club’s history and the fans’ commitment. The fans are special and support the team from when they’re kids. The club’s set-up makes it special. I’m delighted to have won four Champions Leagues, but I’m even happier about having returned to Madrid. We’ve had a spectacular season. I‘ll never be able to thank the president, José Ángel and the players enough for the great atmosphere they have created”.
Confidence in the squad: “I’d focus on the good atmosphere we’ve created. It’s not easy to achieve this kind of spirit because sometimes you get egos or perhaps there are players who get less game time and they complain. I have to say it’s been so easy to coach this team, the calmness in the dressing room in preparing for the game, despite the delays. At that moment, the players were calm and confident. The confidence comes with the history of the club, that’s eight finals won in a row, which isn't normal because the Champions League is incredibly hard-fought and competitive”.
“Coming back to Madrid has been a great success and in truth, I'm not thinking about the trophies that I've won. I thank the fans for their support. I've told Courtois that I'd get him to the final, but that he’d then have to go and win the final and he's done that. You can't say no to Real Madrid”.
Vini Jr.’s season: “The only thing I've helped Vini Jr. with has been his confidence. He's improved in terms of his finishing and the rest of his game remains the same, such as his dribbling. He's very efficient in that department. You need to take your time and keep a cool head. Benzema has helped him out, as has the confidence he's been given by Madrid. Today's goal was the icing on the cake and it's the best possible way to round off the season.”
Next targets: “My objective is to head off on holiday and then start next season. We've got to enjoy this moment because we've had an incredible season. I wasn't expecting to have had this success and to have won three trophies: the Spanish Super Cup, LaLiga and the Champions League”.
Philosophy: “There were a lot of question marks during the games against PSG, Chelsea and Manchester City. Tonight's game was a tough one, but it wasn't as tough because we didn't need to produce a comeback. The players didn't have any doubts in their minds because they continued to believe. We had to dig in in the first half, but we controlled the game.”
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