Carlo Ancelotti: ‘I know that the Everton fans will support us’

Macdara Ferris reports from Stade de France

This time last year Carlo Ancelotti finished the Premier League season with his side Everton in tenth place while Real Madrid went trophyless for the season. 

Fast forward 12 months and Everton only just escaped relegation and Ancelotti is back managing Real Madrid having helped them win their 35^th Liga title - thus becoming the first manager to win all of Europe's top five leagues.

This weekend he is facing his old Merseyside rivals Liverpool in the Champions League final in Paris.

“It is a big contrast,” said Ancelotti when he reflected on the last year when speaking in the Stade de France on Friday evening to the media ahead of the European Cup final. 

“I know that the Everton fans will support us tomorrow. I know about the big rivalry on Merseyside. I have a good memories of my time in Liverpool - on the blue side.

“Things were different last year until a phone call from the President (of Real Madrid). Getting to this final is a big success as we know how demanding this club is with its history. It is a big feat to get to this point. We are very close to achieving something huge this season.”

Ancelotti is managing in a record fifth European Cup final and he is looking to lead his side to their 14^th European Cup. “This is something you dream about but you can’t control. It is my fifth final. I have good memories of them all. Anything can happen in a final. We have to be ready for everything.

“I’m here to manage the game with the veteran players helping the younger ones and we have a good atmosphere around the squad with confidence running through the ranks.

“I see the same level of motivation (as the 2014 final win over Atletico Madrid during his first spell as Los Blancos manager). We are maybe a bit less worried this time around as ahead of Lisbon that was just the start of a long run of success (winning four European cups in five seasons).”

Ancelotti cut a relaxed figure at Friday’s press conference flanked by Thibaut Courtois and Marcelo before their team trained out on the newly laid Stade de France pitch.

“I’ve really enjoyed this year and my time at this club with these players. I’m calm. I might get a bit worried tomorrow afternoon but you fight against those worries but the players are filling me with confidence.”

Milan were knocked out of the competition by Liverpool last season at the quarter-final stage.

There certainly won’t be any complacency being shown by Ancelotti’s side who have shown incredible fortitude to come through the knock out stages – they are the first team to reach the Champions League final after losing one leg of their ties in the last 16, quarter-finals and semi-finals.

“I think out approach has to be about showing our qualities. We have to replicate what we have done this season. We have shown we are fully committed and have great individual quality. That is what we have to show. Liverpool will play with intensity and look to get in behind the defence. 

“I think we deserve to be in the final. We have quality but quality isn’t enough, talent isn’t enough. You have to combine them.”