C/league showdown: Ancelotti sure of Everton support for Madrid
Ancelotti reckons Real Madrid will have plenty of support on Merseyside from supporters of his former club Everton.
Ancelotti is set to manage in a record fifth Champions League final on Saturday when Real take on Liverpool after returning to the club from Everton last year.
The 62-year-old was axed by the La Liga side in 2015 having led them to a 10th Champions League title the previous year. Stints at Bayern Munich and Napoli followed before he took the Everton job in December 2019.
He guided the Blues to 12th that season and 10th in his only full campaign with the club before returning to Real.
“I know that the Evertonians support us tomorrow, for sure,” said Ancelotti in his pre-match press conference.
“I know there is a big rivalry on Merseyside. I have a good memory from my time spent in Liverpool on the blue side and I’m sure they will support me tomorrow.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes the team who shows more quality will win the Champions League final
“It is a big contrast. I’ve thought about that, how things were very different last year.
“This year feels like a long time. I’m treating it naturally. Getting to this final, it’s a big success for us, we know how demanding this club is – it’s all about the club’s history.
“It’s been a big feat to get to this point. We think we’ve had a very good season and we are very close to achieving something huge this season.
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“We are very calm in the camp. I’m here to manage the game, with the veteran players helping the younger ones, to have a good atmosphere around the squad with lots of excitement and confidence.”
A two-time European Cup winner with AC Milan during his playing career, Ancelotti also masterminded the club’s two European victories in 2003 and 2007 as manager. This run to the final has been a rollercoaster ride having wrapped up the La Liga title with ease.