Carlo Ancelotti hopes Serie A clubs can have another great European campaign and explains Jude Bellingham’s humility is one of the things that have impressed him about the English midfielder.
READ ALSO: Newcastle fan stabbed in Milan ahead of Champions League fixture
Ancelotti is ready to start a new Champions League campaign with his Real Madrid side meeting Leonardo Bonucci’s Union Berlin on Wednesday at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“It’s a special competition for this club and it will always be,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia on Tuesday.
“We hope it will be a successful season. It’s hard to win it, but Real Madrid are also the most successful club in the competition. So the target is to win it, then we’ll see how this season develops.”
The Italian tactician is the most successful coach in the Champions League, having lifted the cup with the big ears four times. Does he always feel the same emotions before a new European campaign?
“Every game gives a little bit of stress and emotion, it’s always the same,” he admitted.
“We must prepare the game well. They are a new team in the Champions League, but they have quality so we must start this new phase well.”
All eyes will be on Jude Bellingham who has had a tremendous impact at the Santiago Bernabeu with five goals and one assist in five games. The Englishman has been playing as an attacking midfielder and Ancelotti had words of praise for the 20-year-old.
“I don’t know how many goals he can score, but I think he can create many problems in that position,” he said.
“He moves a lot, he is a serious guy who has adapted well so far. At the end of the day, he is a great player. He’s been very humble, which is important too.”
Real Madrid are in the same group as Napoli, who will be playing in Braga tomorrow. Ancelotti was asked his thoughts on Serie A clubs in the Champions League this term.
“Italian clubs did very well last season. They brought three clubs ahead and one in the Final. Plus, there were three Italians in the European Finals,” he said.
“I hope they can do the same this season, but with Real Madrid involved too.”