Carlo Ancelotti's Real Madrid eye another cup final

Speaking ahead of the tie, the Italian boss shared his thoughts on the mood as they prepare for their 50th match of a gruelling season, one that could hit 72 games if they reach the Club World Cup.

"We're in good shape," Ancelotti said. "The squad are buzzing, motivated, and fit. The South American lads are back from the international break, and we're excited about the chance to play in another final. In recent years, we've done well in the Copa."

The veteran manager, no stranger to the demands of top-level football, also reflected on how the game has changed. "Things were different back in the day," he noted.

"The wear and tear wasn't as intense. Football's evolved, the way we prepare for matches, the injuries, it's all shifted. We've got to manage it and hope for an extra day here or there to recover and plan properly. This season's going to test us, but we're handling it well despite the injury setbacks."

On the goalkeeper situation, Ancelotti kept his cards close to his chest. "Andriy Lunin or Thibaut Courtois could play tomorrow," he said with a wry smile. "If they're both injured, Fran Gonzalez will step up. And if we don't make the final, none of them will get a game!"

One player who's caught the eye this season is young starlet Arda Guler. Ancelotti was full of praise for the teenager. "He's not worried, he's happy and training well," the boss said. "Whenever he gets a chance, he takes it. He's calm, and he's in the mix tomorrow because he's been brilliant in the cup."

Competition for places at Real Madrid is famously fierce, and Ancelotti didn't shy away from that reality. "I do consider him," he said of Guler. "It's about a lot of factors. He's got everything except the lack of competition, and that's not a flaw. This club's history shows even the biggest stars have had to bide their time on the bench. Vinicius Junior waited a couple of years, Rodrygo Goes too, Federico Valverde, Eduardo Camavinga, it's part of being at Real Madrid."

The manager also had some advice for Kylian Mbappe, amid ongoing speculation about a future move. "If I could tell him anything, it's to match what Cristiano Ronaldo achieved here," Ancelotti said. "He's got the chance to become a legend like Cristiano."

Another talking point was the impact of Castilla youngster Nico Paz, who's been turning heads. "He's made a real difference," Ancelotti admitted. "I don't know him too well, but I've got a fond memory from the 2014 final when I took a photo with him, he's Marcelo's lad, and Xabi Alonso's son. Seeing that snap resurface now is perfect. The whole club's excited about him. If he's got half his dad's quality, we've hit the jackpot!"

Ancelotti also touched on the strain on his coaching staff. "Expanding the team, ours is pretty lean," he said. "I've got two assistants, some analysts, and a goalkeeping coach. We're thinking about it, but the real issue is time to prep for games. More staff wouldn't change the workload on the pitch, I don't think that's the answer."

As for rivals Barcelona, Ancelotti was diplomatic but proud. "Barcelona play lovely football, while Real Madrid have their own high-quality style," he said. "I love how we play, and I enjoy watching Barcelona too. You can't really compare them, it's down to the players. Barcelona might play well, and people say we play badly, but I've loved how Real Madrid play for the last three years. It shifts with the squad, you can't always keep the same identity."

The excitement's palpable as the Whites chase another trophy.

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