DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti said Barcelona must be “viewed as a lion, not a cat” during the clash between the two teams., Sunday evening, in the 26th round of the Spanish league.
Ahead of El Clasico, “Al-Merengue” is second in the ladder of “La Liga” clubs, with 56 points, 9 points behind “Blaugrana”.
Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the Italian coach said: “We have to enjoy the moment and move forward in a very important match, so we can win if we can show our best individually and collectively in attack and in defense.”
He added, “We are not thinking about finishing the league. We are focused on winning tomorrow’s match. That is the only thing on our mind. We want to reduce the deficit.”
And he continued, “We’ve got to see Barcelona tomorrow as a lion, a cat, if you go into it thinking you’re a little cat, you’ll take it seriously, it’s a big game and we’ve got to be in it. Fight until the end and show real commitment.”
“I wouldn’t say I’m scared or worried about it, but you’re always nervous in the hours before games,” Ancelotti said.
On his future with the team, Ancelotti said: “I have said time and time again that I will stay at this club for the rest of my life, but that is impossible, it is a decision for the club to make and they will make it. Whatever happens at the end of the season.”
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