Real Madrid will begin their 2021/22 UEFA Champions League season with a game at the San Siro against Inter Milan.
The two teams last met during last season’s group stages with the Los Blancos beating Inter in both encounters.
Ahead of the game, Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press as he highlighted a number of issues including the opponent, the importance of starting the season well as well as a host of others.
Here is a thread of the Italian’s press:
Speaking on the clash against the Italian Serie A side, Ancelotti said: “We had a good game against Celta Vigo, but tomorrow is another story and another competition. It’s a competition that excites Real Madrid fans. Even though they played this fixture last year too, Inter have a new coach, new system and new motivations. We obviously want to control the game and start this competition well, in a tournament that, as I said, is so special for Real Madrid. I have good memories of the European Cup from when I was a player and as a coach, of course with the Décima.”
Following the departure of Antonio Conte, Simeone Inzaghi has been brought in to steer the affairs of the club on the touchlines and his first European game will be against the 13 times champions of the competition.
Quizzed on his Inzaghi’s team compared to Conte’s, the Madrid gaffer added: “Inter have a new structure compared to last year. They’ve even lost some players and signed some new players. They’re doing well so far this season, so I expect this to be a competitive team.”
Finally, the boss also talked up the importance of Vinicius Junior, who seems to be having a good time in front of goal at the moment.
Ancelotti told the media: “I try to push him in training and ensure he’s focused. Then he has great quality and he is confident and good physically. Maybe the tougher times have given him more motivation for now. The only difference is he is cool in front of goal just now. I hope he keeps that up.”
