Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, acknowledged that the excitement he enjoys while preparing for a big game like the Champions League semifinal against Bayern on the eve turns into "concern and a bit of fear" on the day of a match. He mentioned they are not optimistic but have "great hope" for the game.

"Today is a day worth living before a final with all the hope in the world. It is a great motivation to be the protagonist and experience a day like today. It can be more difficult to live through tomorrow because before the game arrives the worry and a bit of fear," Ancelotti admitted. "But preparing a semifinal is spectacular. Working with the idea of reaching another final is something very good that provides great motivation," he added.

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Ancelotti expressed the locker room's feelings with the utmost respect for a rival like Bayern, acknowledging that in the first leg, they were inferior in the 2-2 draw at the Allianz Arena. "We are not optimistic but have great hope because it could be another magical night for us and our fans. But there is no optimism. There is an awareness of the difficulties we may encounter in the match," he said.

"As clubs, we are similar. Both have a great tradition, a great history, much success in the Champions League. I think we respect each other as is only right. In a semifinal, you must respect the opponent, also because Bayern played very well and were better than us in the first leg," he admitted.

To turn the situation around, for Real Madrid to be superior at the Bernabéu and secure their place in the final, 'Carletto' said they need "a game with intensity and pace," and must improve defensively. "I have confidence because it's Real Madrid, because we have this squad that has always performed well this season. Because of the fans that support us. We believe we are on the good side, but Tuchel thinks the same," he commented.

For Ancelotti, Real Madrid and Bayern are "the two most dangerous teams in Europe" on the counter-attack. He emphasized the importance of this aspect and warned his players to be vigilant. "Both teams have players of high quality in attack and fast players. You can avoid transitions with good balance and managing risk."

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He reiterated that he does not want "a team with a single identity" and expressed pride in the successful transition of players at Real Madrid. "The squad that started in 2014 still has a part, not all because time passes, but this squad has managed this period very well. The general line is always handled by Modric, Kroos, Nacho, Carvajal, and Lucas Vázquez. They manage this transition that began a long time ago with Cristiano's departure, and the young players learn very well how they should behave at Real Madrid," he said.

His time at Bayern

Finally, he acknowledged the main reason why his time as coach at Bayern did not last longer and why he is happier at Real Madrid. "It's an old story. In the end, we have to work with an idea and need the support of the club. It is fundamental. When this support fails, it is better to part ways and avoid problems, as happened at Bayern," he pointed out.