“The courage, personality and character we have shown on the pitch will be very important in the final”, he declared in an interview with UEFA.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the most critical part of Real Madrid's season, the final of the Champions League against Atlético in Lisbon: “We have had a magnificent season in the Champions League to get to this point. It will be exciting. To be able to become the Real Madrid manager who wins the tenth European Cup title is something that motivates me a lot. We will do everything we can to win it”.
- The win against Bayern was extraordinary. Are you proud of the team and that victory?I'm extremely proud. It wasn't an easy tie against the European champions, but we played excellently in both matches. Perhaps we were a bit timid in the first leg, but we played incredibly during the second. We defended very well and our forward players caused them problems every time they got on the ball. It was a great performance from the team.
- How will you lineup the team for the final? As you said, Bayern and Atlético are two very different obstacles.From a tactical point of view this match will be very different. We'll have the possibility of being able to control the game if we keep possession. Our goal is to be efficient and play quickly. They have very dangerous men up front. There won't be a lot of space so we'll want to move the ball around quickly.
- What are Atlético's strong points?I think their most important characteristic is the organisation of their team. They all work really hard together. They fight from the very first minute right until the end. They are a strong side, with a lot of quality players who can counter attack effectively and quickly, especially in attack. They are also very dangerous from dead ball situations.
- Florentino Pérez, who was around when Real Madrid won their ninth Champions League title in 2002, has said that now the team must win its tenth. As a manager, what does it mean to be in this position and to have a chance of winning?I am lucky because we are all extremely motivated. Everyone is on the same wavelength; the players, the club, the fans and myself. We are very close to doing it, but we know it won't be easy because Champions League finals are always very unpredictable. You don't play in the final of the Champions League every day, not every team has a chance to do this. We feel honoured because we have a chance to win a tenth European Cup.
- Do you already know what you'll say to the team before the final to motivate them?Not yet. The important thing is to make sure there's not too much tension in the air before the match. The courage, personality and character that we show on the field will be very important in the final.
- Cristiano Ronaldo seems to be at its best. What can you tell us about him? Is he currently playing his best football?I think he's in top form. But he has been for many years. That shows how professional he is and the way he sees football. He has been crucial for us in the Champions League; he has scored 16 goals. He has been a key player on the road to the final and will do everything possible to help us try to win it.
- This could be your fifth trophy after winning two as a player and two as a manager. What would it mean to you to win Madrid's tenth?Winning it will be a great achievement for the club; I like the idea of having the chance to make history at this prestigious club by winning it. The Champions League has given me a lot personally; this is the seventh final I've taken part in and I've won it four times. The chance to be the Real Madrid manager when the club wins its tenth title is a big motivation for me.
- How do you prepare for a penalty shoot-out?Taking a penalty, especially in a final, is not just a matter of technique. It's about faith, confidence and keeping calm. It's not easy to find these qualities after 120 minutes of football and at such a critical moment.
- To finish, what message do you have for the fans going into the Lisbon final?We've baked a good cake and, as we say in Italy, it's time put the cherry on top to make it even sweeter. The only problem is that Atleti have also made a good cake, and they want to put a cherry on theirs as well! Let's see who manages to do it. We've had a magnificent season in the Champions League to reach this point.
