Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti has spoken ahead of the highly anticipated Copa del Rey semi-final match against rivals Barcelona, highlighting the importance of the fixture and the need for his team to show commitment and forcefulness on the pitch.
Speaking in a pre-match press conference, Ancelotti reflected on the team’s previous defeat in the Super Cup and acknowledged that repeating such errors could be detrimental to their chances in the competition. However, he expressed confidence that his team would rise to the occasion and put in a strong performance.
Ancelotti said, “It is true that in the Super Cup we lacked commitment, forcefulness… Repeating this type of error will affect us, but I don’t think it will be repeated because it is a very important game. We are very close to winning an important competition for us.”
When asked about the potential showdown between Real Madrid’s Vinicius and Barcelona’s Araujo, Ancelotti remained unfazed, stating that he had no special instructions for the Brazilian and that the team would not change its approach.
“I don’t have to say anything special to Vinicius. We are not going to change.” Real Madrid coach stated.
Despite acknowledging the strength of Araujo as a defender, Ancelotti expressed hope that Vinicius could come out on top in the confrontation. “It is true that Araujo is a very strong defender, but it is going to be a very entertaining confrontation. I hope Vini can win it,” he said.
Ancelotti also emphasized the importance of his team showing personality and courage in order to put in a complete performance. With both teams eager to advance in the competition and secure bragging rights in the latest encounter of El Clásico, all eyes will be on the pitch to see which team comes out on top.
Real Madrid and Barcelona face each other 3 times in a month time, twice in two-legged semifinal of Copa del Rey and once in La Liga.
