Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has played down Real Madrid’s extended break heading into tonight’s Champions League semi-final vs Manchester City.
Ancelotti’s side last played six days ago, when they took a step closer to the La Liga title with a 3-1 victory away to Osasuna.
While Manchester City also won that night against Brighton, Guardiola’s side played on Saturday against Watford in a comfortable 5-1 victory, but Real had the weekend to prepare for tonight’s clash.
Speaking to the media ahead of tonight’s clash, the three-time Champions League winner believes this won’t have an impact on tonight’s clash.
"Difficult to say but I think the players, the team in this football are used to playing every day, and really I don’t know if it’s better to play every three days.
"Of course, you have more risk playing games, you have more risks of injuries, but to recover from one game from another, the players are used to it, and it will be no problem.”
🗣️ "I don't think we have an advantage."
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes the extended rest his side have had compared to Man City will NOT affect their semi-final clash #UCL pic.twitter.com/Z2F1oJL96z— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 25, 2022
This has been an issue that has been raised by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, as his side prepare for their semi-final vs Villarreal on Wednesday.
Despite Liverpool played Everton at half four last Sunday, they will then have a quick turnaround again as they face Newcastle in the early kick-off this Saturday.
Klopp’s side appealed for the game to be changed to an evening kick-off, but the request was denied by the Premier League.
In a season when rotating players will be difficult with Liverpool chasing an historic quadruple, Klopp unfortunately isn’t in a position to not play his best players.
The Liverpool boss has been vocal about fixture congestion in the past. Speaking before the second leg of the quarter final vs Benfica, he claimed broadcasters have a big role to play.
"They couldn't care less...it's just not okay!" 😠#LFC boss Jurgen Klopp is 'angry' about his side's upcoming fixture schedule 🔴 pic.twitter.com/WxstduSdvy
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) April 12, 2022
"They couldn't care less, the TV stations. I know I'm angry about this but it's just not okay.
If we play a Champions League Semi Final, if you find another league in the world, or another broadcaster when they put the one team in the Semi finals and they throw them a stick between their legs.
Why would you do that?"
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