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Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised Serie A outfit Atalanta BC ahead of their clash in the 2024 UEFA Super Cup clash on Wednesday, August 14, at National Stadium Warsaw in Poland. The annual Super Cup football match is contested by the winners of the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League.
Los Blancos bagged a 2-0 win against German club Borussia Dortmund in the 2023-2024 Champions League final, earning their 15th title. Meanwhile, Atalanta won 3-0 against reigning Bundesliga champions Bayer Leverkusen in the Europa League final.
Speaking ahead of the upcoming UEFA Super Cup clash, Carlo Ancelotti praised Atalanta's performance last season and referred to the Serie A side as dangerous. The Italian head coach said (via @MadridXtra on X):
"Atalanta deserve to be here, they are a great team and had an amazing season. We hope to be the best team on Wednesday. We know they are able to win these games, so we respect them. They are a dangerous team, that plays in a unique way."
Atalanta striker Ademola Lookman also commented on their Spanish opponents in the upcoming UEFA Super Cup final and said (as per Madrid Xtra):
"Real Madrid are probably the biggest team in the world."
Real Madrid have won the UEFA Super Cup five times before in 2002, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2022. Atalanta will be competing for the trophy for the first time as they won their first Europa League in their club's history last season.
Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois on Carlo Ancelotti
Real Madrid shot-stopper Thibaut Courtois heaped praise on manager Carlo Ancelotti, referring to the Italian as one of the best coaches in football history. In a recent interview, the Belgian goalkeeper said (via Madrid Xtra):
"I truly believe that Ancelotti is one of the best coaches of all time, he has shown it in all the clubs he has been at. When he retires, he will be known as one of the best coaches in history."
Carlo Ancelotti has had an illustrious managerial career, coaching 10 clubs since he started as Italy's national team assistant coach in 1992, a job he held till 1995. His first stint at Santiago Bernabéu was from 2013 to 2015. He returned to Los Blancos in 2021 and his current contract there is valid until June 30, 2026.
Overall, Ancelotti has won two La Liga titles, two Copa del Rey, two Supercopa de España, three UEFA Champions League titles, two UEFA Super Cups and two FIFA Club World Cups, across his two stints at Real Madrid.
