Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach of Real Madrid, admitted that in the heavy defeat against Manchester City in their last match, his team lacked "courage" and "personality," which he said are "crucial" aspects in a big game. He also pointed out that this season, his team is different, with "different characteristics when in possession of the ball."

"We played without courage or personality, which are crucial aspects in these types of games, and we lacked them in the return leg," Ancelotti confessed when asked about what they learned from the defeat in Manchester in the last encounter.

"Obviously, we lacked football in many situations in the game, in addition to not handling courage and personality well. It was a mental problem but also a technical one. They pressed us high up the pitch, and we couldn't find solutions. We want to avoid that in this tie," he added.

Looking at the present, 'Carletto' highlighted the changes in his team since Karim Benzema left and Jude Bellingham arrived.

"We have different characteristics when in possession of the ball. Last year, we had Karim, who was a reference as a center forward. This season, we don't have a target man up front, and we've managed this absence with more mobility in attack, which has worked well for us. It's a crucial aspect tomorrow, not sticking to fixed positions in attack could be a key to the game," he opined.

"What's important tomorrow is to bring out the best. The mental aspect is very important, the courage, the personality that you need on the field. We've had time to prepare for the game, and I'm confident that we'll bring out the best we have in every aspect. Mentally, physically, and technically. We have enough quality to compete," he added.

As usual before facing Pep Guardiola, Ancelotti praised his rival. "I'm not bothered by anything; Guardiola is a great coach, that's it. What people think of me doesn't matter much to me; only what my club thinks of what I do matters. There's no doubt that Guardiola is a great coach."

He also admitted feeling nervous before big games that define the season. "I'm very nervous. Before a game on a personal level, there's suffering, just like in defeat. The other day, I was thinking that defeat is suffering, and victory is happiness, but unfortunately, it's not like that; it's a relief. It's happiness if you win titles, but victory is a relief that gives you more peaceful days. Pressure and stress keep you alive. They're fuel for me."

Ancelotti ended by stating that there won't be any "weird things" in his starting lineup, which he said is "pretty clear," admitting that he only has one doubt, whether to start Nacho Fernández or Aurélien Tchouaméni in central defense, which he didn't reveal how he'll resolve.