Even though Barcelona are a long way from their best this season, the importance of Sunday’s Clasico hasn’t been lost on Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.
The Catalans have had a disastrous few months, with Lionel Messi‘s exit being just the tip of the iceberg, and the Italian knows how much the game means.
“They’re special matches,” Ancelotti told Real Madrid TV. “There are special games in every country, like Inter-[AC] Milan, Chelsea-Tottenham, Bayern [Munich]-[Borussia] Dortmund.
“It’s a special match for Spain and the Clasico is the most important game for the fans. It’s not a normal game, and my way of preparing for it is with maximum tranquility and maximum focus.”
Despite Barcelona‘s issues, Ancelotti knows that his side will have to be at their very best when they visit the Camp Nou, but he’s been impressed in the buildup.
“I like the commitment I’ve seen from everyone,” Ancelotti said. “I’m seeing it every day in training.
“The team is focused. We haven’t had a great time, but the players are switched on and fully focused, motivated to train every day.
“We were at our best against Shakhtar [Donetsk]. We did well and we have to continue along these lines.”
The Italian knows what it takes to beat Barcelona, and he’s planning for a tight game in Catalonia where defence will be key.
“The most important thing for us is to always defend well with a low, medium, or high block,” Ancelotti said. “It’s easier for us to defend with a low block because it’s more dangerous for us to counterattack into the space we have with the players we have in attack.
“Defending well is key to everything. We’ve won every game we’ve kept a clean sheet in. Our problem isn’t not scoring, it’s not conceding. This is why I’m trying to focus on defence.”
After suggesting that both Dani Carvajal and Eden Hazard will return to the team, Ancelotti was asked for his favourite Clasico memory and it didn’t take much thought.
“It’s easy,” Ancelotti said. “Bale’s goal in the 2014 [Copa del Rey] final.
“It was a tough game, and Cristiano Ronaldo wasn’t playing through injury. We defended well, but that doesn’t mean we didn’t have to attack.”
