Carlo Ancelotti insists his side will be ready for any danger Thomas Tuchel side will want to create in the return leg of their Champions League tie.
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has insisted that his side is ready to compete, suffer and fight to qualify for the Champions League semi final.
The Spanish side will host Chelsea at the Santiago Bernabue for the return leg of the Champions League with a 2 goals advantage on aggregate.
Carlo Ancelotti admits its going to be a difficult game but he believes his side are ready for Thomas Tuchel side.
Speaking ahead of the Champions League clash Ancelotti says his side knows what is at stake and won’t relax in the game.
“Everyone is well aware that it’s going to be a difficult game. The fans know and so do we. It’s the Champions League quarter-finals and regardless of what happened in the first leg, we’re well aware that in order to reach the semi-finals we’ll have to suffer, to fight, to compete and be in the game for 90 minutes”.
“I have a squad that is very familiar with this type of match and is aware of what has happened in the past and what can happen. We won’t be going out relaxed and the spirit in the squad today is a happy one due to the big opportunity we have to play in this game to reach the Champions League semi-finals. We’re up against a very strong side and we must respect them and we do have a lot of respect for them”.
Karim Benzema was the star man in the first leg of the tie following his hattrick in the game and his manager has got nothing but praise for the French man ahead of the game.
“He embodies what a modern centre forward should be. A centre forward used to be the one who got on the end of things in the box. Karim is what modern football demands of a forward. It’s not only about finishing and scoring but also about contributing to the team and doing defensive work.
“He’s a perfect embodiment of what a centre forward needs to be in today’s football. Two forwards have stood out this season: Vini Jr. and Benzema. Saying that we rely on Benzema is true and we’re very happy to say that”.
Ancelotti has been impressive when he left Everton for Real Madrid and when asked about his future the Italian said: “I’ve got a very long contract and I’m not thinking about anything else. I’m happy if the club’s happy and if the club isn’t, I’m thankful for the time I’ve had here. I’m confident everything will be worked out at the end of the season and that I’ll be happy”.
“I worked very well at Everton, but the call from Real Madrid came. I can understand that people at Everton were upset, but it’s very difficult to say no to Real Madrid. I could say no to any team except Real Madrid. It’s the only club I couldn’t say no to”.
