RIYADH (Reuters) – Real Madrid supervisor Carlo Ancelotti stated his facet had been the very essence of a counter-attacking staff, a method he declared himself “delighted” with forward of their assembly with Athletic Bilbao within the Spanish Super Cup closing in Riyadh on Sunday.
Real overcame perennial rivals Barcelona 3-2 in additional time within the semi-finals on Wednesday to e book their spot in Sunday’s closing.
“Our counter-attacks in opposition to Barcelona weren’t easy long-ball counter-attacks, they had been constructed with three or 4 low and brief passes. They had been organized, rather well executed. We had six gamers in Barcelona’s field once we scored our final objective. It was good,” the Italian informed a information convention in Riyadh.
“People say that we play with counter-attacks? I’m delighted to play with counter-attacks like these.”
Ancelotti additionally stated he had by no means imagined being again for a second spell and coaching the facet forward of one other closing, after he left the membership in 2015.
The 62-year-old was in cost when Real gained their tenth Champions League trophy in 2014, and he left the membership in 2015.
“I’d by no means have imagined that I’d be right here once more and right here I’m, seven years later, very pleased to reside this second,” Ancelotti stated.
“Playing a closing with this membership is at all times particular as a result of it is of their essence. They are used to being in video games like this.”
After defeating Barcelona, Ancelotti stated his staff was making ready for a “fully completely different match in opposition to a totally completely different rival” in Athletic.
“Our plan might want to change, our staff is aware of methods to adapt to completely different conditions. We aren’t married to a selected fashion,” Ancelotti stated.
“Athletic is a really robust and well-built staff. Their coach is one I actually admire, Marcelino García. He at all times know methods to management the little particulars. His groups are at all times well-organized they usually by no means give up.”
Athletic coach Garcia stated his staff had been prepared for a tricky activity within the closing, following their 2-1 come-from-behind semi-final win in opposition to Atletico Madrid.
“Real Madrid counter-attack very effectively as a result of they’ve a really highly effective midfield and two gamers up entrance in Karim Benzema and Vinicius Junior who’re very decisive,” he informed a information convention.
“They are probably the most in-form staff in Spain, and we are going to should be on our high kind to beat them. But we’re a tough staff to play in opposition to, and can go away all of it on the pitch.”
(Reporting by Fernando Kallas; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
