Carlo Ancelotti has no regrets regarding the abolishment of the away goal rule and says Karim Benzema and Thibaut Courtois are the best in the world in their roles.
The Italian coach will take charge of his Madrid side tomorrow in the return leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. Real beat Chelsea 3-1 in London last week thanks to a hat-trick of Karim Benzema. The importance of Madrid’s victory in London would have been much different had the away goal rule stood this season, so does Ancelotti have any regret about it?
“Not at all. We accept the rules as they are. It’s favourable for the balance and we accept it,” the Italian coach told Sky Sport Italia.
“[The victory in the first leg] can be a dangerous result if we think most of the work is done. We made a lot in the first leg and we must do the same tomorrow. We played well in the first half, we must do the same in the second half.”
Where has Benzema improved since the last time Ancelotti coached him ten years ago?
“I think he has more confidence in himself. He feels more important, but he is still humble. Despite being one of the best players in the world, he remains humble and it makes the difference.”
Is he similar to any other striker he’s coached?
“Football changes and players evolve. Benzema is a forward for modern football, the best striker in modern football. He doesn’t only score, he helps the team and is really important. The presence of these champions is helpful for young players as well.”
How about Courtois? Is he the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment?
“Yes, I think so. It’s hard to say the best, there are many great goalkeepers out there, but he is having a great season and is always balanced, as every great goalkeeper should be.”
Ancelotti is a Champions League specialist, having won the title five times in his career, twice as a football and three times as a coach. Only Bob Paisley and Zinedine Zidane won as many as coaches.