Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid’s second-half display against Levante in La Liga on Sunday ‘concerned’ him ahead of next week’s Clasico.
Los Blancos raced to a 2-0 lead before half-time but failed to maintain their intensity after the restart, and the Coach was not impressed by their dip in performance levels, with Barcelona just around the corner.
“I thought our first half was good. We played well, with good intensity, quality and control of the game,” he told reporters.
“In the second half, we were more relaxed, more horizontal [with our passing]. I’d prefer us to improve on our first-half display.
“Our first half [against Levante] gave me confidence, but I was concerned about our second.
“Nonetheless, [the Clasico] will be a different game. We need to be at our very best, with that we can win it.
“Clearly we’ll be able to train on our physical and tactical profile all week [referring to Barca’s Champions League participation midweek] and that gives us an advantage.
“I’m clear about the XI [who will play] at Camp Nou. I don’t think there will be any surprises, although I still have doubts in goal [referring to Iker Casillas’ return]!”
