Real Madrid by no means considers itself favorite to win the Champions League regardless of its wealthy historical past within the competitors, supervisor Carlo Ancelotti stated on Tuesday as he singled out holder Manchester City because the bookmakers’ decide.
Madrid, which received a record-extending 14th European Cup in 2022 however misplaced to City within the semi-finals final season, opens its Group C marketing campaign at dwelling to Union Berlin on Wednesday.
ALSO READ: Manchester United faces daunting journey to Bayern Munich for Champions League opener
It can even face Serie A champions Napoli and Portuguese facet Braga within the group stage.
“City are favourites because they have a squad that saw them win it last season and they haven’t changed much. However in the Champions League, like always, there are surprises at the end,” Ancelotti instructed reporters forward of dealing with Union on the Bernabeu.
“Real Madrid are a team that are going to fight until the end. We never think of ourselves as favourites, just as I think City don’t. They won it last year, they can win the Champions League.”
Real could also be taking up Champions League debutants Union, however Ancelotti harassed it might not take the Germans frivolously.
“They’re a new team in the Champions League but the fact they’re here means they’ve done very well. They’re well organised defensively, they’re solid and they play with intensity…,” he stated.
“The Champions League is a special competition for us. We’re going to treat tomorrow’s game as something special. We want to get off to a good start in the group stage and we’re playing at home.”
The Italian added that Dani Carvajal can be rested for Wednesday’s sport, however stated the correct again would probably be accessible for its La Liga conflict at Atletico Madrid on Sunday.
“Carvajal has a strain and we wanted to rest him to avoid problems,” Ancelotti stated. “He feels good and we don’t think it’s anything serious, so hopefully he’ll be back soon.
“As things stand today, he has a chance of playing on Sunday. The player’s general condition is pretty good. Lucas Vazquez will play in place of Carvajal (against Union).”
Source: sportstar.thehindu.com