Ahead of tonight’s Champions League match between Real Madrid and Manchester City, legendary Italian coach Arrigo Sacchi compliments his “friends,” Carlo Ancelotti and Guardiola, saying many coaches “don’t understand” the Italian and Spanish managers.
Tonight at the Bernabeu, Real Madrid and Manchester City square off in the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals, and former Milan and Italy coach Sarri is excited for the game to begin.
The 78-year-old stated in his Gazzetta dello Sport column on Tuesday that this match features the styles of Ancelotti and Guardiola and is the best encounter that European football has to offer.
I won’t guess; all I can hope is that City and Real will put the enjoyment of the fans first.
Despite the injuries and bans Real Madrid has faced this season, Sacchi said Ancelotti “was never discouraged.”
It’s not how he thinks. He has put a lot of effort into forging a group that keeps getting stronger.
Although it wasn’t simple, Ancelotti has mastered the game of football and has been able to refine the skills the team offered him.
The former coach went on, “To be honest, I think Man City are marginally better, but this doesn’t mean they will qualify because details will be crucial.”
In one regard, I am certain. We are discussing two strategists who just consider stopping their opponent, without making any predictions about the outcome.
“Guardiola and Ancelotti are the greatest coaches; their accomplishments and methods of getting there both speak for themselves. While winning is important, playing well makes it happen more easily.
Football fans should not miss this game since it will be beautiful, which is what everyone should strive for.
Ancelotti is one of the three Italians who can still take the cup this season, even though there are no Serie A teams among the top eight Champions League teams.
Among managers, Ancelotti holds the record with four Champions League victories.
Milan was involved in the first two, in 2003 and 2007. However, Guardiola has won the most prestigious European club championship three times—once with Manchester City and twice with Barcelona.