Real Madrid still thirsty for success: Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, stated that his team still wants to win the Spanish Super Cup final against Barcelona.

The Catalans lost a trophy last season, and they are currently looking for their first trophy since coach Xavi arrived in November 2021. Real Madrid won a Champions League double and La Liga double.

Ancelotti expects that his players will be equally motivated in spite of their successes when they meet in a Clasico at King Fahd International Stadium.

Ancelotti said Saturday that he was referring to players who started winning in 2013 and have continued winning. He also stated that they have never satisfied their stomachs, and that they will never fill them again.

“We are at a very challenging club that doesn’t let you believe your stomach is full.”

Madrid are the 14-time Champions League champions, with five of these trophies coming in from 2014.

Ancelotti continued, “All titles are important to this club, titles give motivation and confidence, there’s lots at stake in the game,” he said.

“We fight every day to win this, to make it to the final. We are used to playing under pressure so the team is motivated and feels comfortable.

Ancelotti has a great record in finals. He has lost only one of the last ten matches in which his teams have participated — against Atletico Madrid, in the 2014 Spanish Super Cup.

Barcelona coach Xavi stated that statistical data can be improved.

It is difficult, but I try to be positive. It is important to remember that I had some luck in the finals.

“We must take stock of our situation, Real Madrid is in front of us gives us a tremendous motivation.”

Great Opportunity –

Real Madrid defeated Valencia on penalties to reach Wednesday’s final, while Barcelona beat Real Betis on spot kicks the day after.

Xavi was filmed shouting at Betis players during a team talk in the extra-time break.

Xavi said, “I would trade myself for one of them,” even if it was a bench member who was getting a few more minutes.”

“This is how you think as a child. This is why we play to show that you are at a great level and to be important.

“A coach is subject to a lot of pain. The other day, I was mad because the players believed they should not be in this situation.

“I tried connecting them to what was at stake.”

Xavi stated that winning the final would be more important to Barcelona than Madrid because Madrid was the opponent.

“We haven’t won a trophy for quite some time. We have to show that that we want it. It is non-negotiable,” said the coach.

“Tomorrow is an amazing opportunity. We have to do all we can to win the final. We’re especially excited and, with Madrid being involved, it would mean much to Barcelona.

rbs/pi