Ancelotti praises Flick’s Barcelona: ‘They’ve changed their philosophy a little’

Carlo Ancelottitrainer real Madridadmitted that Hansi Flick’s arrival ‘changed a bit’ Barcelona’s playing philosophywhich is now “much more direct” despite the fact that he admits it “doesn’t distract from sleep” before coming face to face with a pre-arranged plan he didn’t want to reveal.

Barcelona have changed their philosophy a bit. This is a team that plays differently, they are much more straightforward. I don’t want to compare working with Javi because for me he was fantastic in his own way with his ideas. We have lost many times, but now everything is different and we respect it the same,” he said at a press conference this Friday.

For Ancelotti, Barcelona’s excellent start to the season under Hansi Flick speaks volumes. “a very clear idea of ​​the game” which was accompanied by good football. “Everything worked out very well, they play very well and are a very brave team,” he praised.

“They are playing very well, but in a match like a classic or a derby it is very difficult to pick a favourite. Luckily, no one is keeping me up at night at the moment.” Anything can happen, it’s not just about quality. It’s how you deal with pressure and moments of play because you will be in control and Barcelona will have others. Time management is very important to achieve success in the game,” he explained.

The Italian coach has a plan worked out with his players on how to punish the attacking defense if Flick retains it at the Santiago Bernabeu, as well as another scenario. “I have something on my mind and it doesn’t feel right to explain it today. It will be seen tomorrow and then you can tell me whether I was wrong or not,” he said.

“We prepare the game so that we can perform well both without the ball and with the ball. They can have a high line and you have a way of attacking, they can lower it and you have to manage the attack the same way. You must play the entire game to try to win it. We will try to do this,” he said.

Finally, he admitted that the greatness of the match meant that he didn’t have to talk to his players much before the game and didn’t have to prepare anything motivational: “In these games you don’t need to talk much. The idea is to prepare a clear and simple strategy. Nothing more. “There’s not much to say because everyone is motivated and wants to play.”

And he recalled an anecdote from his time as a player before the biggest duels: “When I played, I was very worried, and a great player like Van Basten saw that I was worried and told me: “Don’t worry, strategy is very clear.” , you give me the ball and run to celebrate.” Fortunately, this has happened many times.”