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August 8, 2024
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois warns it ‘will be tough’ against an Atalanta who ‘press all over the park’ in the UEFA European Super Cup on August 14, but Carlo Ancelotti knows how to ‘strike the right balance.’
The UEFA European Super Cup is just around the corner, and this year’s edition is set to be a thrilling encounter between two of Europe’s most exciting teams. In Warsaw on August 14, the match will feature the prestigious Champions League winners and the Europa League’s reigning champions. The stage is set for an unforgettable showdown, and football fans worldwide eagerly anticipate the big day.
This marks a momentous occasion for Atalanta as they prepare for their first-ever appearance in a UEFA tournament final. The Italian side has fought hard to reach this point, and their historic achievement in claiming the Europa League title has earned them the chance to compete against the cream of the crop in European football. Their fans are optimistic that this could begin a new era for La Dea as they look to make their mark on the international stage.
Meanwhile, Real Madrid, a club synonymous with success and silverware, is preparing for another opportunity to add to their impressive trophy cabinet. With legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti at the helm, the Spanish giants have continued to perform at the highest level, and they will be determined to kick off the season with a victory in the Super Cup.
As the countdown to the match continues, excitement is building among players and supporters alike. Both teams are eager to showcase their skills and put on a show for the fans, ensuring that the UEFA European Super Cup final will be a fitting opener to what promises to be another thrilling football season. With so much talent on display, there is no doubt that this match will be one to remember.
“Atalanta are a good side. They press all over the park; we played against them a few years ago in the Champions League and it was a tough game. So, we know it’ll be a tough one, but we’re really going to try to win it. It’s what makes us us. Of course we want to win it,” Courtois told UEFA.com.
Real Madrid are already the most successful club in the history of the Champions League and could now become the first to win the European Super Cup six times too, but Courtois isn’t thinking about that.
“We don’t really pay too much attention to records. Naturally, with the team we have, which includes many youngsters who are eager to win trophies and new trophies, I’m sure we’ll do everything we can to win. If that means breaking yet another record, it’s a nice bonus, but that’s not the most important thing. The most important thing is to try to win this trophy.
“We know we can expect a tough game against Atalanta and that we need to be ready.”
The Merengues have secured three of their Champions League triumphs under the leadership of Italian manager Carlo Ancelotti. Ancelotti has also achieved remarkable success in the competition with Milan, winning the prestigious title twice in 2003 and 2007. This outstanding track record highlights Ancelotti’s exceptional coaching capabilities and his knack for guiding teams to European glory.
As a five-time Champions League-winning coach, Ancelotti stands alone at the pinnacle of European football management. His ability to build strong, cohesive teams and deliver results in high-pressure situations has cemented his status as one of the all-time greats. The Merengues’ continued success under Ancelotti’s guidance is a testament to his enduring influence and tactical prowess in football.
“Above all, he’s a great man, a great character and a great manager,” added Courtois.
“He strikes the right balance between giving us freedom and telling us the tactics he wants. He doesn’t just talk tactics, but he gives our players like Vinícius, Rodrygo and Modrić a lot of freedom. You need their natural genius. You can’t box them in with too many tactics. You need their genius to come out.
“He manages the dressing room really well – the training sessions too. We work really hard, but laugh hard too. We have a great time. We work hard but we get the rewards for it, and I love it, so I really think he’s one of the best managers of all time.”
Carlo Ancelotti, an Italian professional football manager and former player, is the only manager to have won league titles in all five of Europe’s top five leagues: Serie A, Ligue 1, Premier League, Bundesliga, and La Liga. This remarkable feat is a testament to his exceptional managerial skills and adaptability.
In addition to his success in the top leagues, Ancelotti has also achieved unparalleled triumphs in the Champions League, being the most successful coach in the tournament’s history with five victories. Furthermore, he has secured three FIFA Club World Cup wins and an impressive five UEFA Super Cup wins, managing Milan and Real Madrid. Ancelotti’s achievements as a player and a manager solidify his status as a football legend, with his career serving as an inspiration for aspiring players and coaches worldwide.
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