Real Madrid take on Bayern Munich in the Champions League semi-final as Carlo Ancelotti goes in search of a fifth triumph having already won it twice each with AC Milan and Los Blancos
Carlo Ancelotti has answered Bernardo Silva – and insisted Real Madrid’s European record proves their quality.
Silva claimed Real Madrid are a “weird team” after the Spanish giants knocked Pep Guardiola ’s men out of the Champions League on penalties in the last round. Manchester City midfielder Silva was actually paying Real Madrid a compliment by insisting they can surprise opponents and it is difficult to control the 14 time European champions.
But Real Madrid boss Ancelotti said: “We are not strange. We are a team that can show the history of the past in this competition.
“There is nothing I have to say to Bernardo Silva. He is a great, gigantic player and last year they made it to the final and now it is up to us.”
Ancelotti almost turned the pre-match rituals into a love-in with Thomas Tuchel who called his opposite number a “legend.” In return, Ancelotti said he regarded Tuchel as a “genius.”
Former Bayern coach Ancelotti says he also fears that his old club are dangerous despite the fact Real Madrid are big favourites to go through. Ancelotti said that Bayern underlined their quality by knocking out Arsenal in the quarter finals.
Ancelotti added: “Tuchel is a great coach. In terms of tactics, he is a genius and his team are always well prepared and trained.
“We are confident, we have faith, we have respect for this Bayern team. They have not played a fantastic season in the Bundesliga but against Arsenal in a spectacular match they played very well.
“Arsenal are a strong team and it was two matches that were spectacular. This shows the quality and history of this club, comparable to the history we have.”
Ancelotti laughed when he was asked a question in German as he could not remember the language from the year he spent in Bavaria.
He said: “I remember Munich, a nice city and unluckily, German was difficult to get into my head. My son speaks better German and I am sorry. I have forgotten a lot of things. It is a beautiful city, a spectacular city to live in.”
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Olivia Martin is a dedicated sports journalist based in the UK. With a passion for various athletic disciplines, she covers everything from major league championships to local sports events, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis.
