Carlo Ancelotti looked ahead to Milan’s Champions League battle with Napoli, his plans for the future and Inter’s chances against Benfica in their quarter-final clash.
The 63-year-old Italian coach has been heavily linked with the Brazil job in recent months, with rumours suggesting that he’ll take on the role once this season ends.
Three Italian teams have qualified for the quarter-finals of the Champions League and all sit on the same side of the bracket, meaning there’s a strong chance that Serie A will have a representative in the final.
Speaking to Radio Uno, Ancelotti first discussed his plans for the future.
“There is a good saying that fits the bill, chatter is carried away by the wind, and that is the case, I have a contract until June 30 2024, and I would like to respect that.”
He looked ahead to the upcoming Champions League match between Milan and Napoli.
“It will be a very balanced and very uncertain match. In this type of match the players will feel the pressure, they will be highly motivated, so there is no need to make motivational speeches.
“The discourse to be made is related to the strategy of the match, trying to give clear and simple indications to the players, to make them feel involved and participate, it’s also a way to dilute a bit the pressure that these matches inevitably put on you.
“It’s difficult to say who is more favoured between Milan and Napoli, Napoli are having a fantastic season, Milan are more up and down, they arrive at this match with different motivations, but the motivation will be the same: to reach the semi-final.”
The Italian coach was asked about the message he sent to Milan director Paolo Maldini after the Champions League quarter-final draw, where he told him they would meet in Istanbul.
“It was above all a wish for Milan, of whom I am fond. In reality Milan-Napoli will be a very balanced and very uncertain match.”
The Real Madrid coach also commented on the Champions League quarter-final tie between Inter and Benfica.
“On paper Benfica are better, they have done very well, especially in the Champions League. Inter, however, have the chance to redeem a fluctuating season.”
Finally, Ancelotti gave his thoughts on the Italian national team.
“Mancini is right, it’s a fact, Italian football is not producing strikers of international level. He must go and try to find young unknowns who can give you something like Retegui in the last two games.”