Carlo Ancelotti has one hope going into the Champions League quarter-final, for Real Madrid to avoid his former club Milan. ‘I’d like us to meet in the Final in Istanbul.’
The Merengues are the tournament holders, having won it last season with Ancelotti at the helm, and swept Liverpool aside 1-0 this evening, 6-2 on aggregate.
There are three Italian teams in the final eight – Milan, Inter and Napoli – and four Italian coaches, represented by Ancelotti, Stefano Pioli, Simone Inzaghi and Luciano Spalletti.
The other quarter-finalists are Bayern Munich, Chelsea, Manchester City and Benfica.
“To be honest, the ideal would be for us to meet Milan in the Final in Istanbul, but there is a long way to go,” Ancelotti told Sky Sport Italia.
Ironically, Istanbul was also the host city when Ancelotti’s Milan lost to Liverpool on penalties after fumbling a 3-0 lead to draw 3-3 in 2005.
“Napoli are doing very well, they are dominating Serie A and can therefore concentrate entirely on the Champions League. All the potential opponents in the quarter-final are dangerous, it will be a real battle.”
Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola told Sky Sport Italia yesterday that Napoli are the best team in Europe, but much like Spalletti already stated, Ancelotti sees through the mind games.
“I wouldn’t put too much importance on that. Manchester City scored seven goals past RB Leipzig yesterday… It will be a battle at the quarter-finals, then if we reach the semi-finals it’ll be a battle there too.”