“Mind games” as Guardiola lavishes praise on exceptional Real Madrid boss
The anticipation at the Bernabeu has reached fever pitch as Real Madrid prepares to play Manchester City in the UEFA Champions League in just a few hours.
Both coaches have a lot of pressure to perform, and Carlo Ancelotti in particular is acutely aware that a mistake against Man City may be the end of his time at the Bernabeu.
But as this pivotal match draws near, the Italian manager has the support of his Man City rival.
Pep Guardiola hails Ancelotti
In the pre-match presser yesterday, Guardiola had notably knocked back implications that Ancelotti is not a tactically sound manager.
“I will never consider that Carlo Ancelotti is a bad coach tactically. See where he put Pirlo in Milan, how he uses Kroos and the position of Bellingham. In Manchester, we consider him to be a great coach, in everything,” Guardiola said.
Guardiola has the utmost respect for Ancelotti (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP)
Now, in an interview with TNT Sports, just before the game, the Man City manager echoed similar appreciation for his Real Madrid counterpart.
Talking about his personal relationship with Ancelotti, Guardiola said, “Exceptional person, we have a good relationship. We don’t see each other much. He’s more experienced, a little older!”
Guardiola went on to highlight how Ancelotti is exceptional at making teams work together as a cohesive unit.
“He’s been in many leagues with success. How he makes teams work, all the success [shows] how good he is,” the coach said.
The bonhomie between Ancelotti and Guardiola, though, might not necessarily reflect on the pitch this evening. In fact, it is expected to be quite a heated encounter between two of the best teams in Europe.
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90+3′ – Liverpool 3-1 Sheff Utd
After seven more minutes at Anfield, the Reds have secured the victory. Liverpool will reclaim the top spot in the rankings, ahead of Man City and Arsenal.
The hosts have scored 26 goals in the final 15 minutes of league games this season, and they will score two more today.
Dejected, Sheffield United is waiting for the inevitable.
4 April 2024, 21:25
5 minutes prior
90 – Liverpool 3-1 Sheff United Goal
That completes the win! Gakpo merely needs to deliver the ball well enough to evade the defenders—Robertson’s ball is flawless. The Dutchman receives a cross from the left that is 25 yards out, and his header into the bottom corner for a 3-1 score is firm and precise.
4 April 2024 21:22
89’ – Liverpool 2-1 Sheff Utd
Last minute. Grbic flaps at a high cross and Nunez sends the loose, bouncing ball over the crossbar, with plenty of players in the way.
Diaz now releases Robertson down the left but Gakpo and Nunez can’t fashion an opening between them.
4 April 2024 21:21
86’ – Liverpool 2-1 Sheff Utd
McBurnie goes into the book for a typicaly aggressive aerial challenge, elbows straight into the head of Konate.
Holgate is replaced by Ben Slimane. Into the final few minutes at Anfield.
4 April 2024 21:18
82’ – Liverpool 2-1 Sheff Utd
Woodwork!
Jones turns well inside the area and feeds Gakpo; the Dutchman’s first shot is blocked and the second fizzes over the crossbar.
Mac Allister then curls a freekick over the wall – and smacks it against the upright!
4 April 2024 21:16
GOAL! 78’ – Liverpool 2-1 Sheff Utd
Elliott swings a brilliant cross right to left and fellow sub Robertson is running onto it on the volley – but he smashes it past the near post for a goal kick.
Seconds later they attack the box again, it’s half cleared to the edge of the area…and Alexis Mac Allister runs onto it and barrels a hammer blow right into the top corner! Scintillating strike, 2-1 to Liverpool.
4 April 2024 21:08
74’ – Liverpool 1-1 Sheff Utd
Another double sub for the Reds. Gomez and Szoboszlai depart, Gakpo and Curtis Jones are on. The latter makes his return from injury after a lengthy lay-off from just before the Carabao Cup final.
Nunez is fouled just outside the box, quite clearly, but the referee opts against giving anything. The Uruguayan is incredulous.
4 April 2024 21:04
70’ – Liverpool 1-1 Sheff Utd
Konate is down and injured after Osula caught him and twisted his knee. Needs some attention, the centre-back – but after a few minutes he’s back on his feet.
Elliott crosses from the right and Diaz is ready to pounce – Ahmedhodzic just about clears. Robertson reloads for another cross and another corner but the Blades clear their lines.
4 April 2024 21:02
66’ – Liverpool 1-1 Sheff Utd
Van Dijk rises to bullet a header at goal off a corner but Grbic parries it around the post! From the next corner Konate almost nods goalwards but the Blades have enough back to clear.
25 minutes or so remaining and Liverpool, now, must certainly raise their game – they’ve allowed it to drift to this point.
4 April 2024 20:56
62’ – Liverpool 1-1 Sheff Utd
McAtee and Brereton Diaz off, McBurnie and Osula on for Sheffield United.
Salah and Gravenberch off, Elliott and Robertson on for Liverpool.
The Reds’ double sub was planned before the equaliser and Klopp went ahead anyway – a surprise to see Salah off perhaps.
4 April 2024 20:55