‘La Decima is special for everyone’

Carlo Ancelotti has acknowledged the importance of winning a 10th European Cup to Real Madrid.

Marca reports an interview the Coach has conducted with Champions magazine in which Ancelotti reflects on what winning La Decima would mean for the club and for himself.

“For this club this is a very important competition, especially because if we win this season the club will have 10 European Cups,” Ancelotti said.

“It would be something special for everyone. And the sooner it is achieved the better.

“If we could get it in my first year here it would be amazing.

“We have to try to win another trophy, either the League or the Champions League.”

Ancelotti pointed to the Round of 16 win over Schalke as Madrid’s best performance in the competition this season and added that the players’ experience of losing in three consecutive semi-finals can work in their favour.

“The best game we’ve played in this year’s Champions League was the first-leg against Schalke. We won easily and played very well,” Ancelotti continued.

“At this point what matters most is the psychological aspect, which is more important that the tactical.

“We’ve got to have a strong conviction to give the best effort and reach the final.

“If we handle them well the negative experiences can make us better and help us find an even stronger motivation.

“After three semi-finals I think Real Madrid deserves to play a final but that is something that depends on us and everyone else.”

Madrid hold a 1-0 lead over defending champions Bayern Munich from the first-leg of the semi-final and make the trip to Germany on Tuesday.

Los Blancos were beaten on their last visit to the county, losing the quarter-final second-leg 2-0 to Borussia Dortmund, progressing thanks to a 3-0 home win in the first-leg.

Ancelotti was asked if he is concerned about a repeated outcome against Pep Guardiola’s side.

“The second-leg was very difficult. It was a surprise and we didn’t expect it to happen,” Ancelotti admitted.

“But fortunately, even though we didn’t play well, we managed to reach the semi-final.

“This is a good experience for us as we know it means even if you win easily in the first-leg you can never rest on your laurels in the Champions League.”

Ancelotti has an affinity with the competition similar to his club having twice won the trophy as Coach of Milan.

He also claimed two European Cup winner’s medals as a player and believes the tournament only gets more prestigious.

“It’s the most important competition in the world and I’ve been lucky enough to win it as a player and a Coach,” Ancelotti continued.

“It’s a great satisfaction and joy and it’s worth working to try to do it again. This competition is increasingly important.”

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