Ancelotti: "It’s very difficult to predict what will happen because it'll depend on the attitude, the quality, the confidence and the personalities of the players"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the Etihad Stadium press room and discussed the first leg of the Champions League play-off for a place in the last 16 against Manchester City (Tuesday, 9 pm CET). “It’s like a Clásico because we've been playing in this competition for many years. It's going to be an entertaining and evenly matched game, like all the others. It is very difficult to predict what will happen because it'll depend on the attitude, the quality, the confidence and the personalities of the players. These matches are so high-level you have to be at your best in every area, not just in one.”

“Fitness levels are not so indicative. If you're not 100%, you're not going to give 100% in this kind of game. City are one of the best teams in Europe and currently have the best coach in this competition. It's the toughest game we could have, but we think we're competitive despite the emergency we are in.”

Is the rivalry against Manchester City the greatest in the Champions League?
“I think it is. It's the most important and the most difficult. The team that progresses has the chance to go far in the competition, like in other years. On other occasions, the team that advanced won the Champions League and that could happen again. Playing against them is always a headache. It's surprising that we're playing them in this playoff, but it's not UEFA's fault, it's ours. This match could easily be a semi-final or a quarter-final.”

Manchester City
“They had a difficult spell because of injuries, but in the last few games, they've looked like a good team, as competitive as ever. I can't imagine they're not strong. They have fantastic players and a fantastic coach.”

Surpassing Miguel Muñoz’s record of European Cup games
“I'm prepared because of the history I have behind me. When you play in a play-off, there is a risk that it won't go well and the risk increases if you're playing against one of the best teams and one of the best coaches.”

Vini Jr.
“He's had a very good season considering that he's come back from two injuries and hasn't played continuously. He has scored 17 goals, provided many assists and been decisive in many games. He's lacked the consistency that injuries haven't allowed him to have.”

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“He's looking good, even if he's not at 100%. He's very close to 100%. His second half in the derby made a difference because he was a nightmare on the left wing and created a lot of problems for the opposition. He's very close to his best level and he can reach that tomorrow without any problems. He's doing very well, motivated and looking forward to playing.”

Guardiola
“I think he is a coach who has always tried to bring something new to his teams and has contributed a lot to football in terms of attacking play, possession, playing out from the back. He has been and remains an innovator in football. I have a lot of respect for him because he's one of the best, if not the best. Every time we've met, it's a nightmare to prepare for the games because he always has ideas that make you think.”

Vallejo
“There's no problem with him. He's training and he's doing well, but his contract is coming to an end and we prefer to give more chances to young players.”

His half-time talk in the last Champions League final
“I'm not tough. But intense. At half-time during the final I explained my idea to the players.”

Disparity between Real Madrid and Manchester City in terms of winter signings
“Everyone has their own opinion and the right to do what they want to do. There is nothing to add in this respect.”

Decision not to attend the Ballon d'Or ceremony
“I don't think it was a bad decision. We didn't want to be involved because we thought Vini Jr. was the winner. That doesn't mean we didn't respect Rodrigo. He's a fantastic player and we think he deserved to win it the year before.”