The Real Madrid coach spoke after beating Bayern Munich
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke after the epic UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Bayern Munich which ended in a 2-1 victory courtesy of two late Joselu goals. On the win, Ancelotti reflected, “there is a captain here and his name is Florentino Pérez. The rest of us are sailors. He has been able to create this great generation of footballers and hopefully we can achieve another Champions League”.
Ancelotti on what just happened
“It happened again. A fantastic stadium, players that you can’t stop believing in. It’s something magical. We played well. It was complicated. We had good control of the match and then we had the strength not to lose our heads. We have to thank the fans and the club. And to the players, because they have had a season that nobody expected. I didn’t either. Reaching the final is a success and after that, whatever happens. If I think about the days to get to the final, we’ll have a great time. We will celebrate the league. I ask to celebrate to go to Cibeles. Happiness infects the atmosphere and the players.”
Ancelotti on Joselu
Yes, he is a perfect reflection of what this squad is. Of players who have contributed a lot.”
Ancelotti on why he was surprised
“Because we have had a lot of injuries. Everyone talks about Courtois, Militão, and we have never complained. The team has used these problems to show the value, the character, of this squad.”
Ancelotti on the controversial late goal for Bayern being disallowed
“The last play is quite clear. It might be offside. And we stopped. It’s a high-level referee. They complain and we complain about the goal to Nacho. Kimmich dives.”
Ancelotti on the VAR check on Joselu’s second goal
“I said from the bench that it was a legal goal. What I was thinking was to try to hold on to the advantage, because it was clear to me that it was a legal goal.”
Ancelotti on the atmosphere
“The fans made the difference as always. It seems customary in this magnificent stadium, we are delighted.”
Ancelotti on defining Real Madrid
“It is a family. Managed very well by the president. It is a football club with a history and tradition that weighs heavily. Those who work here are lucky to wear this shirt.”
Ancelotti on this being his most difficult game
“No. After the goal we conceded we were a bit slow, but the fresh legs brought what we needed with more energy in the match.”
Ancelotti on where it ranks
“It was less complicated than the day against Manchester City. There we needed two goals and here a draw was enough. When you score the equaliser at the end it’s a letdown for the opponent. And you could try to score another one.”
Ancelotti on explaining the comeback
It’s difficult to explain. It’s the magic of this team. In this competition and in this stadium with this crowd.”
Ancelotti on Vinícius proving himself as one of the best
“I don’t know. What he contributed in this semi-final can be contributed by very few. He will be the protagonist in the final, because what he did in the second leg is not something you see many times.”
Ancelotti on the celebrations ahead of league title celebrations
The atmosphere was extraordinary. What a day we have ahead of us! I have to prepare well.”
Culled from SBNATION
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