The Italian tactician Carlo Ancelotti has left a legacy that is hard to match by many of the modern coaches. Carlos Ancelotti made a remarkable comeback to Real Madrid in the 2021/22 season and wasted no time as he guided the team to the 14th Champions League Trophy.
However, this season, injuries have acted as an obstacle for Real Madrid. The Spanish giants have shown resilience and secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Champions League. But as they inch closer to the crucial stage, it’s important for first-choice players to be fully fit. Ancelotti recently addressed this growing concern of fans and provided an insight into the player’s injury.
Carlo Ancelotti provides update on Courtois and Militao’s return
Despite key players like Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao being sidelined, Real Madrid stayed persistent and are just steps away from acquiring the prestigious League title as well as the Champions League. However, ahead of upcoming crucial matches, fans were understandably anxious, with half of the defense line out with injuries. However, a moment of relief was felt by the fans after the boss, Carlo Ancelotti, gave a positive update over the potential return of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militio.
Carlo Ancelotti, in the pre-match interview, gave an injury update, saying that Courtois and Militao would be returning to the squad very soon. The pillars of Real Madrid suffered an ACL injury in the earlier half of the season and were expected to miss the season due to it. However, due to the incredible work of the medical staff, both players will be joining the team in top shape.
⚪️ Ancelotti: "We are hungry. We're in top conditions, better than ever. We're gonna have Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao available again soon".
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 15, 2024
"Courtois and Militao vs City? I think they can be part of the squad. But we won’t take any risk. We will test them". pic.twitter.com/cIfHTe8Iyt
During the pre-match interview, Ancelotti said, “Courtois and Militão have just this week started working with the group, completing normal training sessions. During the break they will play two friendlies against the youth team and, yes, I think they can make it.”
He also added, “In fact, the idea is that they will be available on the 31st, against Athletic.”
Ancelotti had already given an update on Courtois and Militao’s injuries earlier this month but nothing could have been said at that time. However, after the confirmation of the manager once again, it has been finalized that both the players will be back in action against Athletic Bilbao at the end of the month.
Carlo Ancelotti’s record against Pep Guardiola as Madrid manager
The draw of the quarterfinals made headlines as some mouthwatering matchup has been placed. However, the most anticipated match will be between to powerhouse of a clubs, Real Madrid and Manchester City. Beyond the battle of two great clubs, it will be a tactical contest between two great managers, Pep Guardiola and Carlo Ancelotti.
However, this will not be the first time they have met. As a Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has faced Pep Guardiola a total of 6 times on different occasions. Out of which Guardiola has won 2 of them while Ancelotti has 3 win against him. The first meeting between the managers came in 2014 when Ancelotti’s Madrid hosted Pep’s Bayern in the Champions League. Ancelotti came up on top after winning the match 1-0 and then thrashing Pep’s Bayern in the second leg at Allianz Arena 4-0.
After a span of time both the managers met again in the Champions League in 2021/22 season. During this time Pep Guardiola was manager of Manchester city, even after winning the first leg by 4-3 City went on to lose the tie on an aggregate of 6-5 after a remarkable comeback by Ancelotti’s Madrid.
During the 2022/23 season, Pep Guardiola was finally able to came on top, as Machester City cruise pass Madrid thrashing them on an aggregate of 5-1. So yet again the stage is set for an another chapter in this rivalry. The first leg would be played on 10th April at Bernabeu while reverse leg would be played in Etihad on 18th April.
With a mighty opposition standing in front of Madrid, it would be intresting to see how Carlo Ancelotti will address this situation with main players out with injuries.
