Carlo Ancelotti admitted that PSG were stronger on Tuesday February 15 at the Parc des Princes. His former team won ahead of Real (1-0) in added time thanks to Kylian Mbappé. Asked following the meeting at a press conference, the Italian admits that his team suffered because of the pressure from the Parisians.
How do you analyze the meeting?
CARLO ANCELOTTI. We weren’t aggressive enough. With the ball, we missed a lot of passes. We did not manage to get out of the pressure exerted by PSG. The exit of the ball was complicated, not clean. We failed to hit our attackers. There is nothing complicated in the analysis: we did not manage to play as we wanted. We mightn’t get the ball.
What was your game plan?
We decided not to press too high, to have a low block. With the ball, we had more difficulties than usual. We suffered in all aspects, on the sides, in the middle. We must assert ourselves more on the return, be better when we have the ball.
Why did you leave Karim Benzema so much on the pitch?
His problem was not physical. He supported the game. The problem is elsewhere. He didn’t get the balls we wanted. We are under pressure following this defeat but I am optimistic. PSG, so far, have been better. It’s up to us to play better. Paris has a small advantage. I hope that will not be enough.
Is Kylian Mbappé a different player in your eyes?
We tried to control it. He is a very good player who can always invent until the last minute.
What makes you optimistic, with two more players suspended?
Well, listen, we must continue to hope. As for the suspended, it will not be the first time without Casemiro and Ferland Mendy. We will find players to replace them.
