Ancelotti shares his thoughts about Real Madrid’s La Decima on five-year anniversary

Former Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti, who conquered La Decima for Los Blancos five years ago, has spoken about the historic European title.

“I remember it very well and I will ever remember it. It’s something I just won’t be able to forget,” says the Italian manager, who is now coaching Napoli.

“The day before the Final we were calm. We knew what was at stake and we were so motivated, but we used the pressure we had and turned it in motivation to face the game,” he explained.

Real Madrid missed Xabi Alonso while Karim Benzema, Cristiano Ronaldo, Sami Khedira and Pepe were all questionable hours before the game.

“We got there with Khedira, who had just recovered from a serious knee injury, Pepe, Benzema and Ronaldo all struggling. I remember very well what Pepe did for us. The day before the game he told me that he wasn’t ready to play because he would have needed to come off in the 15th minute as his knee was hurting so badly. It’s not easy for a player of his caliber to say good-bye to a unique chance of playing a Champions League Final, but he proved he’s a true pro,” reveals the coach.

Ramos scored the equalizer on the 93rd minute but Ancelotti never lost his faith.

“I don’t think about what’s going to happen on a certain play but I had confidence that the goal was going to arrive. It was our last chance but I trusted my players and I knew that they were going to take advantage. The team was alive and I was optimistic. We played until the very end and the very last second. We looked for the equalizer playing good football and in the end Ramos and Modric showed up,” adds Ancelotti.

“Marcelo’s goal wrapped the game up, it was decisive. Until that very moment Atletico still had a chance but they kind of gave up after that goal,” concluded the Italian coach.