Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has called Bayern Munich counterpart Thomas Tuchel a “genius” and called on his players to thwart their opponents’ counter-attacks when the teams meet in Germany in the first leg of their Uefa Champions League semi-final on Tuesday.
Despite relinquishing their title to Bayer Leverkusen during a relatively poor season domestically, six-time European champions Bayern have fared better in Europe, showing their clinical side in a 2-2 draw at Arsenal before reaching the final four with a 1-0 win in the return leg.
“Thomas Tuchel is a great young coach, especially in terms of tactics,” said Ancelotti. “He’s a genius.
“His teams are always well trained and prepared. We have to defend and attack well and avoid counter-attacks.”
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Tuchel boldly predicted that Serge Gnabry, who netted at Arsenal, will score against the Spanish top-flight leaders.
Ancelotti coolly accepted that Gnabry and fellow forwards Harry Kane and Jamal Musiala have a higher chance of finding the net than most other players involved.
“The option for him to score is very high – it’s the same with Kane or Musiala,” pointed out the Italian.
“The probability that he scores is higher than, for example, a defender. They have a spectacular attack with different characteristics.”
👔 @MrAncelotti 👔#UCL pic.twitter.com/l9WO0VH2op
— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) April 29, 2024
Bayern v Madrid: Kane a threat
England captain Kane’s seven goals in the Champions League this season are only bettered by Paris St-Germain’s Kylian Mbappe, who has eight.
The Bayern top scorer has two more goals and assists combined than any other player in the 2023/24 competition.
Madrid’s Rodrygo has five goals and two assists, while Jude Bellingham has four of each and Vinicius Junior has netted three times and set up four.
Four-time Champions League winner Ancelotti won the Bundesliga during his single season at Bayern in 2016/17.
“I don’t feel like taking revenge,” he said, calling his time at the club “beautiful”. “I was lucky to be coach here. I could have stayed longer but I have great memories.”
