Carlo Ancelotti: ‘We are motivated for El Clasico’

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes his team is motivated and confident for their clash with Barcelona tomorrow.

The Spanish giants will clash for the fifth time this season in the second leg of their Copa del Rey game. Barcelona won the first leg in Madrid by a single goal.

Madrid will be desperate for a result in the latest El Clasico.

In addition to losing the first leg of this tie, Los Blancos are 12 points behind their rivals in La Liga with 11 games left.

Barca beat them before the international break to establish the double-digit gap. They also defeated Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup.

These shortcomings will motivate Ancelotti’s side. as they want to win silverware this season.

In the press conference ahead of the clash, Ancelotti said (via Madrid’s official website): “We’re in good shape – we’re motivated and focused.

“I think we’re all feeling really positive after the game against Valladolid. We’re full of confidence that we can produce a good performance.

“It’s always the biggest game for me, for Real Madrid, and for the fans,” the Italian manager added.

“There is a huge rivalry, and this match will put us in another final, which is our ultimate goal. It’s an important competition, and we’re very close. We’ll do all we can to book our place in the final.”

Ancelotti will be under pressure to win this game, with club bosses angry at his tactics in the first leg.

Authorities at the club expect Ancelotti to win the league, domestic cup or Champions League to consider the season a success.

The 63-year-old is under contract until 2024, but Madrid will let him go if he does not win anything. He has interest from the Brazil national team.

Ancelotti knows a win over Barcelona is arguably his best chance at winning a domestic trophy.

His side will go into the game high on confidence following their 6-0 win over Real Valladolid this weekend.