In an exclusive sit-down with TNT Sports’ Steve McManaman, Carlo Ancelotti has hailed Real Madrid’s latest galaxy of stars. Spearheaded by Jude Bellingham, who the Italian has praised for not carrying an “ego”, Madrid are in a sixth Champions League final in 10 years. They take on Borussia Dortmund, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on Saturday, June 1.
Ahead of the Champions League final, live on TNT Sports and discovery+ this Saturday, Carlo Ancelotti has called on Real Madrid’s next generation of talent to fill the void of responsibility which will be left by Toni Kroos and Luka Modric.
After waiting 12 years for the coveted ‘La Decima’ – the 10th European crown – under Ancelotti, Real Madrid have utterly dominated the landscape of the Champions League since 2014.
Los Blancos beat bitter local rivals Atletico Madrid 4-1 in that final a decade ago, with an all-star lineup spearheaded by the front three of Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale.
Modric was the man pulling the strings in midfield, and he was joined by Kroos mere weeks later, as the Germany international celebrated his World Cup win by signing at the Bernabeu.
The pair have orchestrated play since, winning La Liga, the Club World Cup and the Champions League four more times apiece. They’ve reached three more semi-finals in Europe’s premier competition, and are now in the final again.
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They take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley, as heavy favourites to win the club’s 15th European title exclusively live on TNT Sports and discovery+ on June 1.
It will mark the last ever appearance in the all-white kit for Kroos, with the 34-year-old hanging up his boots this summer. Incidentally, his first Champions League victory came against Dortmund at Wembley, as a Bayern player in 2012/13.
Ancelotti – who has been responsible for three runs to the final over the last decade, with Zinedine Zidane overseeing the same number – now needs the younger members of his squad to continue the example set by Kroos and Modric.
The Italian coach sat down with former Real Madrid star Steve McManaman, exclusively for TNT Sports. He said: “We did really well [this season].
“We had a lot of difficulties – [injuries to Thibaut] Courtois, [Eder] Militao, [David] Alaba. The players adapted really well to the difficulties.
“It was an opportunity to show how good they are and they are really good. We planned the procedure really well in the sense that we signed good players – Joselu, Brahim [Diaz], [Jude] Bellingham. The season was really good.
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“[The experience of Kroos and Modric] helps a lot – the environment, the ambience in the squad. The veterans are really good examples for the young players, able to keep a good atmosphere in the dressing room. Good attitude, really focussed every day in training.
“This generation of players that started in 2014 are still there – Modric, Nacho, Lucas [Vazquez], [Dani] Carvajal. In the future, it will be on the younger players to take more responsibility.”
‘BELLINGHAM DOESN’T HAVE EGO’
In the run to this season’s showpiece – which has included knockout wins over Manchester City and Bayern – the central midfield unit has been feeding Bellingham ahead of them.
The England international has shone since his transfer from this weekend’s opponents last summer, racking up 23 goals and 12 assists across all competitions.
Bellingham has been the man to step up in the biggest of moments, striking a host of very late winners – including twice against Barcelona in El Clasico.
Ancelotti added, on the West Midlands native: “He adapted really well, because of his character. He’s really mature, really professional.
“A lot of quality with not much ego. He had a fantastic season – I hope he can celebrate with the Champions League.”
Bellingham will be looking to lift the trophy on home soil, with his manager also excited to return to a country in which he managed in two spells, with Chelsea and Everton.
He concluded: “I really enjoy being there. Wembley is a historic stadium in Europe. We are really pleased to play the final there. I remember the FA Cup victory with Chelsea. Fantastic stadium. We hope to celebrate after.”
