Carlo Ancelotti doesn’t believe Real Madrid are favourites against Atletico Madrid, and denies his future rests on the Champions League quarter-final.
Ancelotti has throughout the second half of the season been dogged by speculation regarding his position as Madrid lost the League lead to Barcelona, and it was put to him at a Press conference that exiting Europe would bring about his downfall at Santiago Bernabeu.
“I don’t think my future depends on this tie, no,” he replied, AS reports, when asked if that was the case.
“It depends on the work of the season and this is a game that is part of the season. I think the judgement of my work will be at the end of the year.
“Every game has problems and every game has ideas. Our defeats against Atletico were always different. It’s hard to say what’s happened. We have already evaluated [past games]. These are two legs. It will be a difficult tie.
“We’re not obsessed with Atletico. We’re obsessed with the quarter-finals. Our goal isn’t to beat Atletico, it’s to win La Undecima.
“Winning the Champions League is unforgettable. The Cup was so important to the club. We’re focused on the present and like I said, we dream of winning another European Cup.
“We play to win, but we’re not obsessed with winning. We can go through with two draws.
“Atletico are a complicated rival, with a great defensive personality, and we have the utmost respect for them. What do I admire most? They fight to the last minute.
“Diego Simeone? He’s a great Coach and has shown in all aspects he’s one of the best in the world. I’m honoured to face him but it’s also a problem.
“It’s a very close tie and we have a 50% chance, but we won’t change our ideas.”
