Carlo Ancelotti Confident in Real Madrid's Top-Eight Finish in Champions League

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about securing a top-eight finish in the Champions League, emphasizing the importance of winning their remaining two games.

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti remains optimistic about his team's chances of securing a top-eight finish in the 36-team Champions League table. Despite currently sitting in 20th place with only two games left, Ancelotti believes that Real Madrid can still achieve their goal. The team's slow start to the defense of their European crown, which included losing three of their first five matches, has made their task more challenging. However, a 3-2 win at Atalanta has given them a glimmer of hope, leaving them four points off the top eight.

Ancelotti emphasized the importance of winning their remaining two games, stating, “There are not many options other than to win the two remaining matches.” He acknowledged that their upcoming match against Salzburg on Wednesday is crucial, saying, “Winning tomorrow is a very important one, obviously, because there's not long to go before the end of the group stage. It's time to get as much as we can ... and then we'll see. Tomorrow is vital, and we'll try to play well.” A win in their final two games could potentially secure a direct spot in the last 16, avoiding a playoff.

While Ancelotti's primary focus is on winning their remaining games, he also acknowledged the possibility of participating in a two-legged knockout playoff. He said, “However, if we have to play the two-legged knockout playoff, we'll play at full strength. Bearing in mind that the schedule will be even more demanding, but we are used to it.” This mindset demonstrates Ancelotti's determination to lead Real Madrid to success, regardless of the challenges they may face.

Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with his forward line but emphasized the need for significant defensive improvements if Real Madrid is to contend for the Champions League title. When asked to assess his team's performance, Ancelotti replied, “It's hard to give a grade from one to 100 to the team right now. Offensively we're performing very well, but defensively we need to improve a lot.” He stressed that defensive improvement will be crucial to the team's success this season.

Ancelotti is confident that his team has the potential to fight for top honors in all competitions, provided they can address their defensive shortcomings. He noted, “This will be the key to success this season. If we do that, we'll fight to the end in all competitions.” Despite losing key players Toni Kroos and Nacho in the offseason, Ancelotti believes his squad has the depth and commitment to succeed. He added, “We have a very complete squad, and considering what happened last year when the departures raised the level of commitment, we found inspiration. We're ready to fight for it all again this year.”

Ancelotti is confident that his team has the potential to fight for top honors in all competitions, provided they can address their defensive shortcomings. He noted, “This will be the key to success this season. If we do that, we'll fight to the end in all competitions.” Despite losing key players Toni Kroos and Nacho in the offseason, Ancelotti believes his squad has the depth and commitment to succeed. He added, “We have a very complete squad, and considering what happened last year when the departures raised the level of commitment, we found inspiration. We're ready to fight for it all again this year.”