The Italian coach believes that depending on a player of Benzema’s calibre is a blessing for Los Blancos.
Real depends on Benzema
Carlo Ancelotti has admitted that Real Madrid are very dependent on star striker Karim Benzema, who has netted two hat-tricks in their last two Champions League games. The Italian coach believes that depending on a player of Benzema’s calibre is a blessing for Los Blancos. They are huge favourites to make it through to the Champions League semi-finals after beating Chelsea 3-1 in the first leg of their quarter-final tie. “We are dependent on Benzema,” Ancelotti said during Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Chelsea. “That’s how it is; we will not deny it. And I’m thrilled that we are dependent on Karim. It’s a reality, and it’s a good thing. Karim is a modern forward and does what is required of strikers. Everything, including defensive work. He perfectly represents what a centre forward should be in today’s football.”
Ancelotti will continue to be happy
Ancelotti stressed that he wouldn’t leave Everton for just any other team last summer, but he eventually decided to part ways with the Toffees after Real Madrid came knocking on his door. “Real Madrid were the only team I couldn’t say no to,” added Ancelotti. “If anyone else had come, I would have stayed at Everton. I was perfect there. If Madrid are happy at the end of the season, I think I will continue to be happy, as I am now.” The Real Madrid boss was asked whether he would like to coach the Italian national team, and he revealed that he could have taken charge of the side back in 2018. “I have sometimes thought about going to a national team, but I like the day-to-day life at a club,” Ancelotti noted.
“I was able to go to Italy in 2018. Until I change that mindset, I’m not going to go to a national team. I don’t like working three times a year. If I get bored of that day-to-day desire, I’ll stop. Of course, it was a great experience to be part of the coaching staff at the 1994 World Cup, but I like the work at the club level.” Ancelotti also stressed that Real Madrid should be prepared if Chelsea decide to change their style of play after their defeat at Stamford Bridge. “Everyone knows it will be difficult beyond the 3-1 win,” Ancelotti declared. “We will have to suffer and fight, for sure. We’re expecting an opponent who will do their best to get through the tie.”
“We’ll see about the line-up. We want to play the same game as there. We have to be prepared for anything, for a change in Chelsea’s way of playing, because what they did in London didn’t work out well for them.”