C/League: Ancelotti not ready to come from behind

Carlo Ancelotti said he doesn’t want another comeback on Saturday against Liverpool after the three dramatic revivals of Real Madrid’s mammoth run to the final.

‘No, we don’t want another comeback. Hopefully Liverpool will try to come back,’ he joked at Real Madrid’s training camp in Valdebebas.

He was asked which of the three knockout rounds was the most difficult and if he had given up on his team at any point. He said: ‘In all three rounds I never thought we were out. The mental aspect was huge against Chelsea. We had the advantage from the first leg, so preparing for the second leg was more difficult.”

The Italian coach admitted that Madrid’s trip to Paris had taken its toll on him. When asked about his worst moments before a final, he said: “The three hours before the game are bad: the stress, the sweating, the negative thoughts.” I have suffered this season more than most and there are no pills you can take, you just have to bear it.

The coach, three times champion of the European Cup, was jovial before training on Tuesday with Madrid. He was generous with Liverpool, mentioning their legendary former manager Bob Paisley, whom he may outdo at the weekend, and their revenge-seeking striker Mohamed Salah.

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Asked about Salah’s comments that this is Liverpool’s chance to avenge their 2018 loss, Ancelotti said: “It could be extra motivation for them, but Madrid could say the same about Paris in 1981. We respect that. “. [Salah] is a great player. But the revenge aspect can also work for us.