Former Italy coach Arrigo Sacchi previews tonight’s Champions League semi-final between Real Madrid and Manchester City, saying that Carlo Ancelotti is ‘smart’ while Pep Guardiola ‘always seeks perfection’ as he used to do at Barcelona.
The La Liga and Premier League giants meet at the Estadio Bernabeu on Tuesday in the first leg of the Champions League semi-final. The winner will face Inter or Milan in the Final in Istanbul on June 10.
“It will be a joy to watch, but it’s impossible to guess the result, surely it will be a thrilling game,” Sacchi wrote in his column for Gazzetta dello Sport.
“For Ancelotti and Guardiola, two great friends of mine, it will be the rematch of last season. They played two memorable games a year ago, difficult to repeat for intensity and beauty.”
The Merengues eliminated City in the same stage of the competition in 2021-22 and went on to win the trophy in a Final against Liverpool. Ancelotti became the coach with the most Champions League victories: four, two with Milan and two with Real Madrid.
“Madrid have the Champions League in their DNA and have just won the Copa del Rey,” continued Sacchi.
“This, however, is a huge negligence of the Spanish Federation. How can two big games like these be played across a few days?
“Another aspect to consider: Toni Kroos, Luka Modric and Karim Benzema are one year older. They are fantastic champions but may have less energy than last season.
“Manchester City are a different team now. Players used to be very static, but now they frequently attack the space, they move without the ball and press more even if they haven’t reached Liverpool’s level from a few years ago.
“Furthermore, there is a certain Erling Haaland who never stops, so Real Madrid must defend as a unit and be ready for counterattacks to create trouble for the English’s defence.”
Both Ancelotti and Guardiola played in Serie A, although the ex-Spanish midfielder only spent a few years in the Peninsula as a footballer, playing for Roma and Brescia in Italy’s top flight. Ancelotti played for Milan and coached the Rossoneri, Parma and Juventus in Serie A.
“Pep and Carletto have different styles and methods but have gifted memorable moments to this sport,” said Sacchi.
“Ancelotti has great experience and puts it at his players’ disposal. That’s why he is smart. He is an authoritative, calm leader who conveys confidence and makes himself loved wherever he goes. There must be a reason I’ve never heard someone speaking badly of him, right?
“Guardiola has a different approach and mentality. He is always looking to renew, showing a great desire to improve. He continuously seeks perfection, as he used to do at Barcelona, and is doing the same at Manchester City.
“The challenge between Real Madrid and Manchester City is mainly in their faces, indications, gestures and what, from their respective benches, they will be able to convey to their players on the field.”