Carlo Ancelotti has avoided commenting on Kylian Mbappe‘s decision to turn down Real Madrid and extend his contract with Paris Saint-Germain until 2025.
Los Blancos were seen as the favourites to sign the France international in the summer, as his previous deal with PSG was set to expire.
“We have only thought about what we have to think about,” Ancelotti said at a media event ahead of Saturday’s Champions League final against Liverpool.
“We respect everyone. We have to do our job. I have never talked about a player who is not at Real Madrid and I never will.”
Liverpool vs Real Madrid
Ancelotti has faced Liverpool numerous times in the Champions League, both as a player and a coach. The Italian tactician explained why he is not willing to allow the Reds to win their seventh European trophy.
“Losing to [Liverpool] was a tragedy with Roma in 1984 and [with AC Milan in] 2005,” recalled Ancelotti.
“Then the revenge, which [Mohamed] Salah says, in 2007. I respect them a lot. One of the best experiences of my career is seeing the push of [the Estadio Santiago] Bernabeu or Anfield. In addition to the beautiful experience of being rivals with Everton.
“I like their history, that of [Bob] Paisley, they have six Champions Leagues, only one fewer than AC Milan. That’s an extra motivation too. My friends who support AC Milan ask me not to let them reach seven [Champions League trophies].”
Ancelotti went to discuss about the style of play imposed on Liverpool following Jurgen Klopp‘s arrival back in 2015.
“The German school has raised the intensity and pressure in the matches,” noted Ancelotti.
“Pressing so high up [the pitch] is a novelty. I don’t see myself as a coach of the old generation. I am attentive to changes, but always [focused on] the most important thing: the characteristics of the players you have.
“I can’t go to pressure if I have a fat player, I have to put him in the area to finish off.”
Ancelotti also broke down the things that have impressed him this season at Real Madrid following his return to Los Blancos las summer.
“The consistency of Vinicius [Junior], the humility of players I haven’t seen since 2014 and in the meantime, they had won three Champions League titles,” added Ancelotti.
“They have made history and nothing has changed in their attitude, in their professionalism. We have never given up when everyone thought we were going to. You might think it’s luck, but that’s the magic of the stadium, what you experience at the Bernabeu.”
