Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-04-08 12:54:51
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti expressed his disappointment with his team’s lack of courage and personality during their Champions League defeat to Manchester City last season, emphasizing the importance of mental strength ahead of their upcoming clash in the quarter-finals. The Italian manager highlighted the need for his players to show determination and character in such high-stakes matches, acknowledging the mental aspect as a critical factor in achieving success.
The humiliating 5-1 aggregate loss to City in the semi-finals last season still haunts Ancelotti, as he believes his team failed to display the bravery and character necessary to compete at that level. With the first leg of the quarter-final tie set to take place at the Santiago Bernabeu, Ancelotti stressed the significance of mental preparation to ensure his players are ready to give their best performance against the reigning champions.
Despite his illustrious record of winning the Champions League four times, Ancelotti admitted to feeling nervous before such crucial fixtures, as the pressure to succeed weighs heavily on him. He revealed that the anticipation and tension leading up to the game serve as motivation for him, emphasizing that both victory and defeat bring their own forms of emotional intensity.
Looking back at the first leg of last season’s encounter, defender Antonio Rudiger recalled how the team contained Erling Haaland and limited his impact on the game. However, Rudiger was surprisingly left out of the starting lineup for the second leg, a decision that he accepted despite finding it difficult to digest at the time. As they prepare to face City once again, Rudiger emphasized the need to neutralize key threats like Phil Foden, Kevin De Bruyne, and Haaland, approaching the challenge as a personal duel against the prolific striker.
For Rudiger, the upcoming clash against Haaland symbolizes a test of personal pride and defensive prowess, as he aims to contain the Norwegian forward’s threat and contribute to the team’s defensive solidity. While emphasizing the collective effort needed to overcome City, Rudiger’s commitment to his individual battle against Haaland highlights the intensity and determination required to compete at the highest level of European football.
In conclusion, Ancelotti’s call for courage, personality, and mental strength reflects the demanding nature of elite football competitions, where the slightest lapse in concentration or determination can lead to significant consequences. As Real Madrid gear up to face Manchester City in a highly anticipated Champions League showdown, they must draw upon their resilience and quality to compete against a formidable opponent and strive for success in the tournament.
