Three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti claims the competition has become ‘an obsession’ for Juventus, thinks Paris Saint-Germain 'aren’t too happy' playing Atalanta and wishes Napoli ‘all the best’ against Barcelona.
The former Napoli coach was replaced after the last group stage match by Gennaro Gattuso in December and since taken over Everton in the Premier League.
Three-time Champions League winner Carlo Ancelotti claims the competition has become ‘an obsession’ for Juventus, thinks Paris Saint-Germain 'aren’t too happy' playing Atalanta and wishes Napoli ‘all the best’ against Barcelona.
The former Napoli coach was replaced after the last group stage match by Gennaro Gattuso in December and since taken over Everton in the Premier League.
The experienced coach has won League titles in England, Germany, Spain, France and Italy, and picked up the most coveted prize in Europe three times. Twice with Milan, before he helped Real Madrid to their 10th out of 13 European Cups.
Ancelotti thinks Juventus, who last won the Champions League in 1995-96, are 'invested' in the Champions League, to the extent that it has become 'an obsession' for the Old Lady.
“It’s an obsession, but also a very strong motivation. The two are connected,” Ancelotti told Il Corriere dello Sport. “The club sees the Champions League as an investment, not just emotionally.
“I think that by the time you reach a Final, you have already done your best. The rest is in the hands of God.”
This year’s competition was postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic and therefore has a new format and Juventus fight to qualify for the Final Eight in Portugal this month.
“The unpredictability of the Final Eight can prove to be an advantage. The matches are decided by one leg, many finals, not just one.”
But Ancelotti thinks one of his former employers, Paris Saint-Germain, should be considered the favourites, together with Manchester City.
“The [favourites are the] most motivated clubs, those who makes the European Cup the main target of a season or a period.
“PSG, who have never reached a semi-final, and City. Although, the French aren’t too happy to be drawn against Atalanta.”
The former Napoli coach brought the Partenopei to the last 16 of the competition and Gennaro Gattuso’s men continued with a 1-1 draw against Barcelona at the San Paolo in the first leg.
“I’m a great cashier. I wish Napoli all the best,” Ancelotti added. “The truth has many faces, but nobody cares about it, not today.”