Carlo Ancelotti has warned Real Madrid that he will not settle for a draw against Barcelona in Sunday’s Clasico.
Los Blancos travel to Camp Nou on the back of just two wins in their last five matches, a run of results which has seen them lose top spot in La Liga to their forthcoming opponents, and the Coach is determined to get his side back on track.
“Being favourites or not depends on the form [of both teams]. At the moment, Barcelona are in better form than us,” he noted in the second part of his pre-match Press conference.
“It’ll be a complicated and difficult match for both teams, but we’re very confident about this game, it presents a great opportunity for us. A win would put us back at the top of the League.
“Every game [from this point onwards] is very important. I don’t think it’s as decisive as the two games against Atletico [Madrid in the Champions League].
“This is another competition. Either team can take advantage [in the title race], but [the match] won’t be decisive.
“I haven’t gone mad, I’ve prepared for the game well and strategised. We’ll try to do what we need to do in order to win.
“For all of us, it’s a special game. We’re facing a great team, in a match which comes at an important time.
“We’ve prepared for it in a special manner, differently to our other games. The squad are confident, as they normally are. We’ll make the most of [this opportunity].
“Each team have their own style of play, but the objective is to always play better than the opposing team. Our objective is to play our way, with our quality.
“We’ll play to our best in all aspects, with personality and character, and try to impose our game on them.
“[Patience] has always been part of my personality. This team have helped me to [become more patient].
“Some people tell me that my patience has no limits, but it does. Having a cool head is the most important thing.
“It allows for positive thinking and total confidence [in yourself]. We haven’t played well for the past few weeks, but my confidence [in the team] remains 100 percent.
“I’m only thinking about the game tomorrow [not my future]. I feel it’s an important game for everyone, as it will be for Barcelona.
“The game will be watched worldwide, so we have to enjoy it and put out the best version of Real Madrid.
“I never want to play for a draw. I think we have the quality to win the match, as do Barcelona.
“I’m motivated by my work. I coach the world’s biggest club and I enjoy what I’m doing. I’m honoured to be an important part of these games.
“It’s a joy to be in the dugout for these games. This is my fate and it motivates me, plus I don’t have to pay any entrance fees!”
