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Ancelotti publicly supports Gareth Bale after the loss against Valencia

The boss won't take the tie against the crosstown rivals lightly.

Steve Bardens/Getty Images

Despite losing to Valencia and being faced with the challenge of a two-legged affair against a tough Atleti squad, Carlo is remaining calm.

We are focused on a match that will be difficult. We want to continue with the same struggle and desire to keep doing well, as usual.

On Atleti:

We know them very well. We have played against them many times and often this season. They are a tough team because they make things difficult for you and they are well organised. We have always tried our best to win. They are one of the best teams in Europe.

On his approach against the crosstown rivals:

The approach is always to play with our own identity, our philosophy and out qualities. Everyone has their own idea of football. I don't think there is any news regarding this. Atlético will prepare for the game with intensity and so will we.

Expect to see some changes, including one at goalkeeper.

Keylor is going to play in the Cup and will play until the end of the Cup. The team might have changes. There are players who haven't recovered. But I want to put out the best team possible. The team isn't tired because there was a seven-day vacation. We're ok and it showed in the final part of the match against Valencia, where we played with great intensity.

Gareth Bale and his form are a hot topic surrounding the club, especially his play against Valencia and his non-pass to Karim Benzema which was a major point in the game, but Carlo isn't too stressed over it.

I have seen the play and it was not easy to pass the ball, it was very complicated. He had no room and he tried to shoot. There is no need to talk about Bale. He knows very well when he needs to pass but he took the right decision. I do not think Bale is selfish. If he has pressure it is positive because he has scored goals in the finals he has played in. Tomorrow he will play.

The turnover at Barcelona is another major topic of discussion, but Ancelotti tactfully declined to offer much insight into it.

I do not know the dressing room of Barcelona, I cannot comment. Everyone faces decisions regarding the dressing room. Luis Enrique is best placed to make those decisions, it looked like a fair one. I have never had clubs with stability problems. There are teams that do. I have to be ready. What happens to Barça happens to all teams at some point in the season.

And finally, beloved son Fernando Torres has returned to his childhood club and Ancelotti seems well-aware that it might not be as bad of a move as some might think.

Without playing, Torres has already brought excitement to the fans. He has received their affection. Torres has calmness, experience and in this environment he will be more motivated and have a bigger desire to do well.

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