Liverpool Will Not Win the Champions League, Claims Carlo Ancelotti | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti Dismisses Liverpool’s Champions League Hopes Ahead of Real Madrid vs Manchester City Clash

For the fourth consecutive season, Manchester City and Real Madrid are poised to face off in a Champions League knockout tie that has become one of European football’s most compelling rivalries. While both teams are no strangers to the high stakes of this competition, they approach this encounter from contrasting domestic situations.

Manchester City, usually dominant in the Premier League, find themselves in unfamiliar territory, sitting fourth in the table and grappling with inconsistency. Real Madrid, under the steady hand of Carlo Ancelotti, are leading La Liga, though the race remains tight with Atletico Madrid and Barcelona breathing down their necks.

However, it’s not just the clash between City and Madrid that’s drawing attention. Ancelotti’s pre-match remarks have sparked discussion, particularly his views on Liverpool’s Champions League prospects.

Photo: IMAGO

Ancelotti’s Bold Claims on Liverpool’s Chances

Speaking ahead of the match in Manchester, Ancelotti was effusive in his praise for Pep Guardiola and Manchester City, labelling them as the ‘most difficult game’ regardless of their current form:

“It is always a headache to face Manchester City,” he stated during his press conference. “It will be a difficult game, hard to predict. It will depend a lot on the attitude and confidence of the teams. It’s such a high-level game you have to be at your best in every aspect.”

Ancelotti went further, positioning this tie as potentially decisive for the entire tournament.

“It seems like it’s a ‘Clasico’ because we have played each other a lot of times in this competition. It’s the most difficult game we can face, regardless of form,” he added.

The Italian also hailed Guardiola as ‘the best manager’ in Europe and expressed his conviction that whoever emerges from this tie will lift the Champions League trophy:

“They are one of the best teams in Europe and they have the best manager out there. It’s a nightmare preparing for games against him because he always has ideas that make you think.”

“I am convinced the team that goes through from this tie will go on to win the competition.”

Liverpool’s Impressive Form Ignored

Ancelotti’s dismissal of Liverpool’s chances is particularly striking given their formidable performances both domestically and in Europe this season. Under new manager Arne Slot, Liverpool have rediscovered their form, topping their Champions League group with seven wins out of eight and leading the Premier League title race.

Slot’s tactical nous and fresh approach have reinvigorated the Merseyside club, positioning them as serious contenders for both domestic and European silverware. Liverpool’s squad depth, coupled with their high-tempo, pressing style, has made them a formidable force once again.

Photo: IMAGO

Yet, Ancelotti’s comments suggest a strategic oversight or perhaps a deliberate attempt to downplay Liverpool’s threat. The Italian’s focus on City and Madrid’s rivalry might be a psychological ploy to divert attention or galvanise his own squad for what he perceives as their toughest challenge.

Potential Motivation for Liverpool

Historically, dismissive comments from high-profile figures have often served as motivation for teams, and Ancelotti’s remarks could very well fuel Liverpool’s drive in the knockout stages. The Merseyside club has a rich history of thriving under pressure and proving doubters wrong, and this season could be another chapter in that narrative.

With Barcelona and Bayern Munich still in the mix, the Champions League remains wide open. However, Ancelotti’s conviction that the winner of the City-Madrid tie will claim the trophy overlooks the unpredictability and competitive spirit that define this tournament.

Liverpool’s fans and players alike will undoubtedly take note of Ancelotti’s words, using them as bulletin board material as they push towards their seventh European crown. Whether Ancelotti’s prediction holds true or not, his comments have added an extra layer of intrigue to an already captivating Champions League campaign.