Real Madrid ‘respects’ Bayern Munich ahead of UCL semis
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti said the squad respects Bayern Munich ahead of the first leg of Champions League semifinals.
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Real Madrid respects Bayern Munich
Despite Bayern’s underwhelming domestic season, Ancelotti does not want Madrid to take the German side lightly.
“We’re preparing to play a big team with lots of qualities,” Ancelotti told a news conference on Monday.
“We are confident and have faith but we have respect for Bayern Munich. They haven’t played a fantastic season in the Bundesliga but they played very well in two matches against Arsenal. This shows the quality of this club.”
“They are strong in transition, they can play in different ways and are very dangerous. We need to focus and take ourselves to the final, that’s our goal.”
After winning 11 straight Bundesliga title, Bayern fell at the hands of Bayer Leverkusen.
Bayern manager Thomas Tuchel, who is set to leave the club at the end of the season, knows Ancelotti has more experience in the Champions League.
However, the four-time Champions League winner has nothing but praise for Tuchel, whom he called a ‘genius’.
“It’s not up to us, the coaches,” Ancelotti said.
“The match is up to the players. You give them the idea or the strategy and they have to be convinced of it but it’s all about the players and their behaviour on the pitch. Thomas Tuchel is a great coach, especially in terms of tactics. A genius. His teams are always well trained and I have a lot of respect for him.”
Madrid will face Bayern Munich on April 30, Tuesday at the Allianz Arena.
