Ancelotti shares ‘similar vision’ with Simeone but season ‘more challenging’ for Real Madrid | OneFootball

Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti admits he and Diego Simeone have similar views regarding football but concedes this season has been ‘more challenging’ for Real Madrid.

The Merengues visit their city rivals, Atletico, on Wednesday in the second leg of the Champions League Round of 16. Ancelotti’s men won the first leg 2-1 last week.

“It’s a match that allows us to keep dreaming in this competition, just as we have in previous years,” the Italian tactician said at a press conference via Marca.

Ancelotti shares ‘similar vision’ with Simeone but season ‘more challenging’ for Real Madrid

Atalanta’s head coach Gian Piero Gasperini and Napoli’s haead coach Carlo Ancelotti (r) during the Italian Serie A soccer match Atalanta vs Napoli at Stadio Atleti Azzurri d’Italia in Bergamo, Italy, 03 December 2018. EPA-EFE/PAOLO MAGNI

“This year is more challenging, but we maintain the same confidence to fight until the very last game.

“I have more than 11 players available for this match. Those who don’t start but come on later will contribute. This is a game where a well-made substitution can make the difference.”

Ancelotti has been under pressure this season as his Real Madrid side failed to finish in the top eight in the league phase of the Champions League. They are currently the La Liga leaders, level on 57 points with Barcelona, but the Catalans have a game in hand.

“The ones responsible for victory are the players. And for a defeat, well, you already know,” Ancelotti said.

“It’s not a problem for Real Madrid; it’s a problem that comes with being a coach. The coach is the only one held accountable. That has been known for a long time. It’s fine by me because I have a job that is highly sought after, and since I love what I do and many would want to be in my position, I have to take on this responsibility.”

Lastly, Ancelotti confirmed his appreciation for Simeone, a former midfielder in Serie A for Pisa, Inter, and Lazio: “I consider him a great football coach, and we share a very similar vision.”