Real Madrid – Manchester City: Ancelotti furious after the draw

Real Madrid will face Manchester City in the Champions League dam. A poster that does not please Carlo Ancelotti, which hoped for another draw.

The verdict of the draw of the dams of the Champions League fell this Friday, and he did not only have happy. Real Madrid will have to face Manchester City for a place in the round of 16, a poster that has become a classic in the competition. For the fourth consecutive season, the two clubs will cross iron, and Carlo Ancelotti would have clearly preferred another opponent. At a press conference, the Italian coach did not hide his frustration.

“This is not the ideal draw”

As soon as the draw was finished, the Italian technician appeared before the press, and his first reaction said a lot about his state of mind. “In a perfect world, we would not play against them, but we failed to enter the top 8. It will be an exciting duel, I can assure you. We have the resources to beat them. »»

The Madrid coach knows that this challenge will be one of the most complicated of the season for his team. “We have 13 games to play by the truce of March, and each meeting will be crucial. There is no time for a specific preparation, it will be necessary to chain with recovery, video analyzes and matches. »»

A pivotal period for Real Madrid

Real Madrid will enter an ultra-loaded sequence, where each point will count in liga and each detail will make the difference in the Champions League. Ancelotti is aware of it: “We want to keep our advantage in the league, and this February will be decisive. The points at stake become greater than in the start of the season. »»

With a workforce that has faced several injuries this season, players' physical management will be a key element in the approach of this double confrontation in the face of reigning European champions.

A big test for Ancelotti

This Real Madrid – Manchester City promises to be one of the most anticipated duels of these dams, and Carlo Ancelotti knows that he will have to find the right formula to bring down the team of Pep Guardiola. The Italian coach does not hide his annoyance in the face of this draw, but he will quickly have to mobilize his group to meet this colossal challenge.

The round trips will be played on February 11 and 12, while the returns will take place on February 18 and 19. The show is guaranteed.