Real Madrid vs Liverpool: 3 biggest questions for Carlo Ancelotti
The 2021/22 season has been nothing short of a miracle for Real Madrid. No one could’ve predicted this turn of events at the start of the season. The club lost what was arguably the greatest center-back pairing in the world, only to end up in the Champions League final and being crowned La Liga champions. No club in the world could replicate what Los Blancos did this season. With enigmatic grit and resilience, Real Madrid pulled off yet another unexplainable run to the Champions League final.
Regardless, the crumbling down of the Mbappe saga has taken the spotlight off the final, which should be the sole topic of discussion among Madridistas. It’s also unfair to the players, who paved the way for what could be the most remarkable Champions League campaign in the history of the competition.
Carlo Ancelotti, otherwise known for his tranquil personality would surely be on pins and needles right now. He’s a man with a lot of thinking up his sleeve. Here are some burning questions for Carlo that need addressing ahead of the season’s biggest game.
How can Real Madrid escape the Liverpool press?
Probably the biggest question out of the bunch. Finding an answer to Liverpool’s press and counter-press would be a massive challenge for Carlo Ancelotti. Liverpool is the last team you’d want to face because it is unquestionably the best counter-pressing team in the world. In his years as a Liverpool manager, Jurgen Klopp has built a pressing model that is sustained, and its effectiveness has grown season after season.
Last year’s quarter-final tie against Liverpool could’ve gone in a completely different direction if Liverpool had their starting center-backs available. Liverpool, in the second leg, found a way to padlock Kroos, Casemiro, and Modric. The final will be a battle of the midfield, and Thiago’s possible absence gives Real Madrid a massive edge.
Luckily, Real Madrid has two of the best press-resistant midfielders in the world in Kroos and Modric. Kroos, along with Marco Veratti were the only two players this season to maintain above a 90% pass completion when under pressure from an opponent. I won’t rule us out just yet.