Carlo Ancelotti has restored confidence at Real Madrid following the 3-1 win over Chelsea at Stamford Bridge in the Champions League quarter final first leg on Wednesday.
It was a long day for the Italian coach, who had to fly into London later than the squad after only just testing negative for COVID-19, but it was worth the hassle as he returned to the Spanish capital a hero with his tactical masterclass in London.
Ancelotti knew that he had to be by his team’s side and when he got the go-ahead to travel, it was as if Real Madrid started the game a goal ahead.
Champions League (cuartos ida): resumen y goles del Chelsea 1-3 Real Madrid
Until the negative result came in, he was restless. Ancelotti wanted to be beside his players for the biggest match of the season to date, against his former club.
But after the game, Ancelotti was the first to remain calm. It was the same against Paris Saint-Germain after the 1-0 defeat in France.
After all, he is an experienced coach and knows not to get too low or too high, particularly in a competition like the Champions League.
However, his prudence does not mean that he was not happy, that he did not enjoy it. He did it for himself and his players’ self-esteem.
He accepts criticism, but disrespect hurts him, and Real Madrid have suffered a lot in recent weeks. He is the one who knows his players best, and the physical and emotional state of mind of all of the squad.
The win over Chelsea will not change Ancelotti. He is a football man whose philosophy is to work with and for the club, to defend his players and to bring Los Blancos back to Cibeles. Wins like the one on Wednesday night make him feel happy, very happy.
Marca
