Carlo Ancelotti still winning hearts, minds and matches

Macdara Ferris reports from Wembley

When the Real Madrid players look and listen to their Head Coach Carlo Ancelotti they see and hear a man that has done it all in football. He has won two European Cups as a player on the pitch – part of Milan’s back-to-back wins in 1989 and 1990.

As Head Coach he won two Champions Leagues with Milan (2003 and 2007) – along of course with the capitulation to Liverpool in 2003.

As the supremo with Real Madrid he has two further Champions League triumphs – delivering La Decima in 2014 as Real’s 12 year wait for a tenth European Cup came to an end and the 1-0 win over Liverpool two years ago.

Ancelotti is both a master tactician but also a master motivator. Someone who can exploit the wealth of talent at his disposal and make them feel like the best players in the world – many of whom are certainly just that.

“The most important thing in these games is to put in the players heads what they need to be in the pitch,” said Ancelotti about his preparation for the final when speaking to a packed standing room only press conference on the eve of the Wembley final.

“I focus on the tactical aspects. My idea is to be super-clear on the tactics. The clearer the players are, the happier they are and the better they'll perform.”

His excellent autobiography ‘Quite Leadership’ has the sub-title ‘Winning hearts, minds and matches’ and that is exactly what he has done as a coach particularly with Los Blancos. 

Incredibly his club are on the verge of winning their 15^th European Cup as they seek their sixth Champions League title in the last 11 seasons but Ancelotti insists “we aren't obsessed with this trophy” but “we are obsessed with competing”. 

With the clubs 36^th La Liga title in the bag, he said: “Obviously, winning the Champions League is very important, but I think we can argue that our season is already a success so far."

However he did note some words of caution.

"It's a dangerous thing. We are near the biggest thing you can do in football: to be near to lifting the Champions League trophy. But there's a fear of letting it slip away.

"So we need to enjoy being here, we need to have a little touch of luck, and we have to never surrender, no matter what's happening. 

“It's normal that the more fear you have, the sweeter victory can be if you achieve it. We have plenty of respect for our rival. They deserve to be here.”

Ancelotti left the press conference and took his players for a light and lighthearted training session on the Wembley pitch.

Good natured shouts echoed around the venue during their training game played out between the penalty areas – with Thibaut Courtois taking part and he will start in goal on Saturday.

Speaking about the Wembley venue, Ancelotti had said: "It's always special to play this kind of game.

"The Champions League final is the most important. Wembley is a really historic stadium and that's exciting. So happy to be here and I hope my team can show its best."

Ahead of kick-off tomorrow, the players will line up in front of the 90,000 spectators with the Champions League theme tune thumping out across the stadium. 

Die Meister
Die Besten
Les grandes équipes
The champions

Ancelotti’s captain Nacho spoke about what that anthem means to his team. 

"When the anthem plays, it's like we are listening to our friend. With all these trophies we've won, it has to feel that way.

"But when we hear the Champions League anthem tomorrow, there'll be huge responsibility too."

Champions League Final Preview: Borussia Dortmund -v- Real Madrid https://t.co/8Rwt2qlqz1pic.twitter.com/v9AWh6IuOH

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