Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that winning La Decima at Real Madrid would be ‘a dream’, but insists that his men are also concentrating on the League.
Los Blancos are currently third in the table, but are first focusing on Wednesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Borussia Dortmund.
The Italian Coach though, has claimed that his team are desperate to win a tenth European title, and claim domestic honours.
“In the League we have slipped to third because of two setbacks. The dream is La Decima [the 10th European Cup, but the League is a concrete objective,” he told Radio Anch’lo Sport.
“The League is interesting because beyond the three teams at the top, there are teams like Athletic Bilbao who are very competitive.
“I have a strong team and complete – there are champions, experienced players and young people from the academy.”
The former Milan boss then commented on the difference between Spanish and Italian football, and Atletico Madrid’s rise this term.
“Spanish football is different and reflects the philosophy and culture of this country.
“And it is mostly played with much possession of the ball. It is different, certainly, to Italian football, which is experiencing a particular moment.
“There are cycles, it remains technically competitive, but to improve it is normal that there is a need for innovations in infrastructure.
“Spanish football is alive because there are young players who are interesting. We brought in five players to the squad this year, but everyone is talking about Gareth Bale.
“Atletico are an Italian team, one of the few who does not practice tiki-taka, but are more to the point.
“They are an incredible surprise, some expected that they would have given up, but they have not. There is a positive air around their team, they will hold until the end. Then, it is as question of details.”
Ancelotti concluded by remarking on Cristiano Ronaldo’s exceptional season.
“Ronaldo? It is a simple thing to train him because he is an immense professional.
“He has understood that talent devoid of professionalism does not allow you to stay at the highest levels. That is the same for him, for Ibrahimovic and for many others.”
