The best advice Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti can give his players as they prepare to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final is to enjoy the moment, he said on Monday.
Heading into his eighth Champions League final, his sixth as a manager and third with Real who are bidding for a record-extending 15th European crown and sixth in 10 years, the 64-year-old Ancelotti believes his players have the experience to cope with the emotions.
“It is a week to enjoy. The challenge, the opponent… We’re going to enjoy it until Friday. Reaching a final is always a success,” the Italian told a news conference on Monday.
“We have a lot of confidence. As for being favourites, we don’t think about that. We have to play against a team that has done very well in eliminating PSG… Atletico Madrid. They have shown commitment and attitude.”
Known for his calmness and tactical acumen, Ancelotti is one of the most successful coaches in the world, the first manager to win titles in each of Europe’s top five leagues.
“The build-up to the big game is always the same, the excitement to be a protagonist in the most important match of the season,” Ancelotti said.
“This is my ninth final if I count those as a player. The three as a player and the sixth as a coach. It’s always the same week: happiness and then worry. The fear will come, but before it does, I’m going to enjoy it.
“The cold sweat comes on Saturday afternoon. It’s quite normal, it comes every match and I have experience. I have a lot of confidence in my team. They are in Champions League mode.”