re: CHAMPIONS ( La10ª ya está ) - The Real Madrid Club de Fútbol 2013-14 Thread

The Times has published an extensive interview with Carlo Ancelotti, in which the Real Madrid coaches discusses his ambitions for the club, the José Mourinho era, the departure of Mesut Özil and other issues.

The Mourinho era: “They [the players] didn’t speak about what happened last year with Mourinho, and I didn’t ask. To reach the semi-finals of the Champions League is not bad. It’s not good enough for some clubs, but it’s not bad."

The demands of the Bernabéu: "The supporters here don’t just look to win, they look at how you play. At Real you have to win with style. It’s not enough to win here. For example, Fabio Capello was sacked after he won the league. Chelsea were a more physical team, but here the technical skills of the players are the best."

Champions League: “La Decima is not an obsession, but it’s a motivation. For the club it’s very important. The last time Real Madrid played in the final was 2002. For a club like Real Madrid this is not good.”

The Premier League and Özil: “There’s a lot of balance in the Premier League now, but in my opinion Manchester City have the best squad. I saw them play against Manchester United, and in terms of a squad they are very skilled. Arsenal are doing well, but we helped them of course. Arsène Wenger has to buy us dinner, as we gave them Özil! It was my decision. When we bought Gareth Bale it was difficult to find space for him, and he needs to play. Mourinho will always do well, but they’ve changed a lot of players so it’s not easy.”

Paul Clement: "Paul is the best manager I’ve ever had on the training pitch. He prepares training brilliantly and manages the exercises properly — the best assistant I’ve ever had. He has all the quality, all the skills and all the experience to be a manager. I know one day I’ll have to say goodbye, and that could be the day that I stop and go on holiday. I spoke with Paul’s Spanish teacher, who said he needs ten years to speak Spanish, so we have to stay!”