Leganes manager praises Carlo Ancelotti ahead of Real Madrid clash: ‘A good reference point’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to return to Municipal de Butarque tomorrow night after four years in their first game after the international break. It is safe to say a lot rides on the result.

With the trip to Anfield midweek, Los Blancos need to find their best form against Leganes, but it will not be easy given the long list of injury absentees.

Apart from the long-term injured Eder Militao, Dani Carvajal and David Alaba, Los Blancos will be without Aurelien Tchouameni, Rodrygo and Lucas Vazquez and Carlo Ancelotti is thus under pressure to find a working formula.

Leganes manager breaks down Real Madrid’s situation

Speaking to the media ahead of his team’s clash against Real Madrid, Leganes manager Borja Jimenez gave his two cents on what he expected from the match-up and Los Blancos’ current situation.

To begin with, praised the defending champions for their play and revealed how he intended to urge his men on despite being the underdogs.

“It’s a difficult game, but I think we’ll have our chances. Real Madrid do a lot of things well and it’ll be complicated. The message was the same, to find a way to attack Real Madrid.”

“It’s not enough to just defend. The message was very clear, we’re playing at home and we have to be brave,” he added.

Speaking on Carlo Ancelotti, the manager had only words of appreciation for all the work and ideologies the Italian tactician represents.

“For Carlo, I have only words of admiration. The values he carries and how he transmits them. He is a good reference point that all coaches should look at.”

Leganes will look to capitalise on Valverde playing out of position. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Finally, Jimenez was asked to give his reading on Real Madrid’s injury situation and how it would affect the team against Leganes, to which he said,

“They are missing a right-back and Valverde can play there. We will try to look at both sides, relying on the defense to put a player who can cause damage.”

“We have something planned, but we cannot reveal it. We will look for weaknesses like in any other match,” he added cryptically.

Source: MARCA