Ancelotti: This is what we do in the days leading up to the European final.

Carlo Ancelotti’s advice to his players

The Spanish Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, said that the best advice he can give his players as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final is to “enjoy the moment.”

As he approaches his eighth Champions League final, sixth as a coach, and third with Real Madrid, 64-year-old Carlo Ancelotti believes his players have the necessary experience to handle these emotions.

In a press conference on Sunday, the Italian coach said, “It’s a week to enjoy, challenge, and compete. We will enjoy it until Friday. Reaching the final is always a success.”

Great confidence for the Real Madrid coach

He continued, before the match scheduled for Saturday, “We have great confidence. As for the favorite to win the title, we do not think about that. We have to play against a team that performed very well to eliminate Paris Saint-Germain (France) and Atletico Madrid (Spain). They have shown great commitment.”

Ancelotti is known for his calm demeanor and tactical acumen, making him one of the most successful coaches in the world and the first to win titles in all five major European domestic leagues.

When he returned to Real Madrid for a second stint in 2021 after Zinedine Zidane’s departure, Carlo Ancelotti knew his sole mission was to increase the club’s trophy count.

Having won the Champions League twice as AC Milan’s coach and with Real Madrid in 2014, securing the club’s 10th title, Ancelotti led the team to its 14th title in 2022.

Real Madrid is ready to face Borussia Dortmund

The Italian coach said, “The preparation for the big match is always the same, and the excitement is to be the champion in the most important match of the season. This is my ninth final if you count them as a player. Three as a player and six as a coach. It’s always the same week: happiness then anxiety. Fear will come, but before it happens, I will enjoy it.”

He added, “The anxiety will start on Saturday afternoon. It’s completely normal and comes with every match, and I have the experience to handle it. I have great confidence in my team. They are in Champions League mode.”

Ancelotti kept his opinion regarding the team’s goalkeeper for the final match at Wembley Stadium in London.

Thibaut Courtois has started four matches since returning from a knee injury, but Andriy Lunin was the hero when Real Madrid defeated Manchester City on penalties to reach the semifinal.

Ancelotti said, “Both deserve to play in the final. Lunin delivered an amazing performance, and we all know the quality of Courtois.”