Barcelona Blog
Carlo Ancelotti refused to blame his players after the defeat against Barcelona 0-1 in the first leg of the King’s Cup semi-final at the Santiago Bernabeu, where he confirmed that the result was not deserved. He also made a frank admission about Ronald Araujo, the Catalan defender, during the press conference after the match:
Match analysis: “It was a good match, intense, high pressure… Barcelona’s possession was only 40%. We did well, but lacked something else in the final third. Their defense was very solid and they forced us to play in the middle, which is where they are very strong. The match went as we wanted and in the comeback we have to repeat this performance in Barcelona.”
What is the difference between Liverpool and Barcelona?: “They are different teams. Barcelona defended very well and it was difficult for us to attack in the transition period. But we didn’t let them play the way they wanted and that’s fine.”
Did Barcelona deserve to win tonight?: “No, it’s very clear. There were hardly any chances for them. I think it was one of our best games defensively all season.”
What should be improved in the second leg? : “If we repeat this intensity, we will have opportunities. I don’t think Barcelona will repeat a defensive performance like this at the Camp Nou.
What do you think of the referee’s performance?: “Overall, good. In that shot between Vinicius and De Jong there was some tension, but nothing happened.
Xavi said that Real Madrid is still the favorite to win. Do you share his opinion?: “Okay, now we have a defect. But we keep a lot of confidence and we want to come back.”
How did you feel when you saw Barcelona play this defensive performance?: “It was a bit strange to see him play like that. But they were very solid and had a team commitment…and shut down all the lines very well. Having to attack them with crosses is not the best thing, as I said before. And they led us to that.”
Bad luck with the goal? And what is your assessment of Araujo against Vinicius?: “The goal came from an individual mistake. And I give Araujo the full right mark against Vinicius”
Source: As
