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The Spanish Super Cup 2023 semifinal between defending champions Real Madrid and Valencia is scheduled to be played on Wednesday night at the King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. While Carlo Ancelotti's side are placed second in the La Liga standings, Los Che are placed 11th in the points table.
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Ahead of his side's semifinal fixture against Valencia, the IFFHS best coach in the world, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in Riyadh and talked about his relationship with the Valencia manager Gennaro Gattuso, who was part of the UEFA Champions League-winning AC Milan, managed by the Italian manager.
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In his pre-match conference, Ancelotti said, " Titles are important. Last year gave us confidence for the whole year. We have to do well, better than we have played the last few games. " La Liga reigning champions Real Madrid faced a disappointing 2-1 defeat against Villareal at the El Madrigal stadium in their last league match and will look to bounce back on the winning ways.
While talking about his side's shock defeat against Villareal, Ancelotti said, " It was foreseeable that we wouldn't be at our best, but I was surprised by the game against Villarreal. The feelings were good, but we didn't do things right. The defensive aspect was not good. We have quality, but we need to provide a more solid base than what we showed. The objective is to win the Super Cup. We don't think about winning everything."
Ancelotti reveals his relation with Gattuso
Ancelotti managed AC Milan from November 2001 to May 2009 and Gattuso played for the Rossoneri from 1999 to 2012. During the manager-player duo of Ancelotti and Gattuso, AC Milan won Serie A title in 2002-03 season while managed top three spots in the standings in five seasons. Apart from the league, Milan became the UCL winners twice in the 2002-03 and 2006-07 season.
While asked about his relation with Gattuso, Ancelotti said, "We had some very nice moments. We have had personal problems that I don't want to talk about. From the AC Milan team I coached there have been many coaches, each with his own style and knowledge. Gattuso, Inzaghi, Nesta..."
Apart from Real Madrid and Valencia, current La Liga leaders Barcelona are scheduled to face Real Betis in another Spanish Super Cup semifinal fixture on Thursday as the Spanish Super Cup final is scheduled to be played on Sunday in Riyadh.
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