Ancelotti’s plan to prepare Real Madrid for the Manchester City game

Unlike Manchester City, Real Madrid still have plenty of time to prepare before they face Pep Guardiola’s team in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League quarter-final.

Despite Guardiola’s concerns about fixture congestion, Ancelotti has responded to his complaint about the difference in preparation time, stating that although his team will have fewer days to get ready, it won’t necessarily determine the outcome of the match.

“I see the calendar well. Obviously, they have a more complicated schedule. We have a small advantage in this regard, but it will not determine the outcome of the match,” said the Real Madrid manager.

Adding to the story, a report from AS has confirmed that Ancelotti is implementing a different training regime for the upcoming match.

This plan includes six training sessions and a specific focus on players like Jude Bellingham and Federico Valverde, who were most affected by the recent international break.

This could be because one, Bellingham wasn’t at his usual self against Athletic Club last weekend and Valverde, on the other hand, had a minor injury issue, something that the manager later confirmed was not very serious.

Real Madrid will need much more

Apart from the obvious preparation that Ancelotti and his men can work on, Real Madrid will need their 12th man – the fans – for the contest.

It is said that Santiago Bernabeu is set to be buzzing on City’s visit as the fans are eager for payback following last year’s heart-wrenching defeat.

Before tickets even hit the shelves for the general public, Madridistas are already gearing up for Champions League action and they are ready to rally behind their team and give it their all to secure victory in the first leg.

Why all the excitement? Well, it is common knowledge that a strong start in Manchester is crucial for Real Madrid. After all, they are yet to taste victory at the Etihad Stadium, making the first-leg tie all the more important.

As far as the preparation is concerned, the team looks in better shape unlike Man City, who are reeling with multiple injury issues, with the likes of Kyle Walker and John Stones being uncertain for the contest.