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Carlo Ancelotti exclusive: Real Madrid boss excited by future, eyes another UEFA Champions League final

Matt Jones

Updated 08/05/2024 at 08:22 GMT

Carlo Ancelotti is predicting a successful future for Real Madrid, as they target a 15th European Cup triumph. The Spanish outfit are currently locked at 2-2 after the first leg of their semi-final tie with German side Bayern Munich. They are attempting to add to the La Liga title they have already secured. Ancelotti says getting to Wembley would be another milestone for his young squad.

Head coach Carlo Ancelotti of Real Madrid speaks to the media during a press conference ahead of their UEFA Champions League semi-final second leg match against FC Bayern München at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on May 07, 2024 in Madrid, Spain.

Image credit: Getty Images

Carlo Ancelotti believes the future is bright for his Real Madrid side - as they look to add a UEFA Champions League title to their La Liga crown.
Los Blancos sealed a record-extending 36th top flight title in Spain at the weekend by beating Cadiz 3-0.
That is already an eighth piece of silverware since Ancelotti returned to manage the club in 2021, when he swapped being in charge of Everton for the Bernabeu.
But the Italian is far from resting on his laurels, and believes there is more to come from his exciting group of players.
Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports ahead of the second leg of Real's Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich, the manager said: "I'm really satisfied [at winning the La Liga title], because it was difficult.
"We have had a lot of problems and we were able to solve these problems with a fantastic commitment by the players. We are really happy for this. It is the best way to prepare well for the next game.
"I think we have a young squad and think that the future will be really good for us.
"It's a good connection between the ability, the experience, the history and tradition of the club. There's a good connection. Only for this you can explain what happens and what we hope is going to happen in the future."
The first leg ended in a 2-2 draw with Harry Kane among the goals and Vinicius Jr. scoring twice for Real.
Ancelotti believes his team learned a lot from that meeting, adding: "Bayern has a good team, really good. [They are] Fantastic in transition.
"They have a striker really with quality, really dangerous. We could play better, we try to play better."
Should Real progress, it will keep them on course to lift the European Cup for a record-extending 15th time.
Their most recent title came a couple of years ago, when Vinicius' goal was enough to earn a 1-0 victory over Liverpool in Paris.
That was the fourth title in the competition for Ancelotti, already one more than any other manager, with Pep Guardiola, Bob Paisley and Zinidine Zidane all on three.
The fact the final this year is at Wembley makes the occasion extra special for many, especially with Los Blancos having England international Jude Bellingham in their ranks.
"The final of the Champions League is the best game, where you want to be," Ancelotti added. "I would like to be in another final and to be there.
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