Carlo Ancelotti has described Pep Guardiola as ‘the best manager out there’ and a ‘nightmare’ to prepare for ahead of Real Madrid’s trip to face Manchester City on Tuesday night.
The two European heavyweights clash in the Champions League knockout play-off, with the first leg in Manchester before a trip to Madrid next Wednesday.
Neither team produced their best stuff in the group stage which is why one will fall before the last 16 in the revamped competition.
The Premier League champions have struggled to fire all season in every competition, but Ancelotti is not going to be taking them lightly, knowing full well what a strong side and all-time great manager they possess.
The teams have met a lot in recent years, playing eight times since the start of 2020. City have won four of those games, with Real claiming two victories and two games ending level.
‘It seems like it’s a Clasico,’ said Ancelotti. ‘Whether they are in form or not, City are one of the best teams in Europe. It’s always a headache facing City. They still have the best manager out there. It’s the most difficult game we can face, whether they are in form or not. If you’re not 100 per cent, you won’t get the result.
‘They are the most important rival with the best manager. It’s a nightmare for me preparing against Pep (Guardiola) because he always has ideas that make you think.
‘The team who passes this round has the possibility to go far in the competition. The last three years, whoever won this tie won the Champions League. Maybe it can happen this year as well.’
Ancelotti’s team are not struggling domestically, sitting top of La Liga, while City have been poor in every competition, currently fifth in the Premier League.
The Italian admits that Guardiola’s struggles have surprised him, as have his own team’s in Europe.
‘It surprises me we’re in a play-off,’ he said. ‘It’s our own fault, but it’s a little bit surprising we have to play this game when it could be a semi-final.
‘I’m surprised at City’s season. They had a period where it was difficult to move on with the injuries. But now the team I’ve seen in the last few games is good, competitive as usual. I don’t have doubt about how strong City is.’
Guardiola is well aware of the challenge that Real Madrid will bring with them, labelling their front four of Vinicius, Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Jude Bellingham as ‘impossible to control’ over 90 minutes.
‘It’s impossible in 90 minutes to control these four players,’ said Guardiola. ‘Everyone knows it. We have to reduce their involvement as much as possible, knowing it will (not always) happen and accept that. Both teams had problems with injuries through the season.
‘Madrid handled it much better than us, top of La Liga. They have shown the consistency and in the tough moments they bring their best. We have to make two big games to go through.’
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