Ahead of the crucial UEFA Champions League match against Atalanta, Real Madrid’s head coach Carlo Ancelotti shared his insights during a press conference. The match is set to take place at Gewiss Stadium in Bergamo, and Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges posed by a formidable Atalanta side.
Ancelotti began by praising Atalanta’s recent performance, stating, “Atalanta is playing at its best; they have improved significantly since the Super Cup.” He confirmed that Jude Bellingham is fit to play, noting, “Bellingham has recovered; the only two doubts are Rodrygo and Vinicius.”
When asked about Bellingham’s improvement, Ancelotti explained, “In reality, things haven’t changed that much. We are playing better up front, and Bellingham is taking advantage of these opportunities.”
Ancelotti also expressed his admiration for Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini. “We are good friends; we met at Juventus. He is doing an incredible job with this team. Every year there are many changes in the squad, but he knows how to utilize all the resources available to him. The work he is doing is spectacular,” Ancelotti remarked.
Discussing Atalanta’s current standing in Serie A and their European ambitions, he said, “Atalanta has done a great job competing in both Italian and European leagues. They remain at a high level, which speaks volumes about the club’s structure and the quality of the coach.”
Addressing the significance of the upcoming match, Ancelotti stated, “This game is worth three points and is crucial for qualification. We have three more matches left; it will be difficult to finish among the top eight teams.” He expressed his excitement about returning to Italy: “For me, it’s always special to play in Italy; I am 100% Italian.”
Ancelotti also reflected on his calm demeanor during high-pressure situations. “I have a lot of confidence in my team and my players. We aim to finish this year well; tomorrow will be the most complicated match in this cycle,” he noted. He emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between the coach and the club for achieving results.
On the topic of Kylian Mbappé, Ancelotti humorously remarked, “It could have been the first press conference without talking about Mbappé, but you ruined everything (laughs). He is doing well; I’ve given him all the trust he needs.”
