Carlo Ancelotti has publicly backed Paris Saint-Germain to clinch the Champions League title this season, notably overlooking Arsenal in his prediction. The Italian manager's comments come as the tournament heats up with thrilling semi-final matchups set.
PSG's Impressive Run to the Semi-Finals
Paris Saint-Germain secured their place in the Champions League semi-finals with a dominant 4-0 aggregate victory over Liverpool at Anfield earlier this week. They are now poised to face Bayern Munich, who edged out Real Madrid 4-3 in a nail-biting encounter at the Allianz Arena. On the other side of the bracket, Arsenal advanced after a goalless draw with Sporting CP, setting up a clash with Atletico Madrid, who defeated Barcelona 3-2 on aggregate.
Ancelotti's Analysis of High-Scoring Matches
In an exclusive interview with Il Giornale, Ancelotti expressed his views on the recent high-scoring affairs in the Champions League. He remarked, 'I've seen high-goal matches, Atletico Madrid-Barcelona and Bayern-Real Madrid offered thrilling moments for the fans.' However, he cautioned that 'too many goals also means too many mistakes, from goalkeepers and defenders.'
Ancelotti elaborated on the tactical risks involved in modern football, stating, 'The so-called high pressure, man-to-man play, involves constant risks, and so the result can change from one moment to the next. Even the build-up play from the back must be perfect, otherwise you immediately pay for the smallest of distractions.'
Why Ancelotti Favors PSG
Despite a slow start to the season, PSG, under manager Luis Enrique, has hit top form with impressive knockout stage victories over Chelsea and Liverpool. As defending champions from last season, they are seen as strong contenders. Ancelotti highlighted the open nature of this year's tournament, noting, 'The Champions League is an open tournament that leaves great teams like Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Manchester City on the sidelines, but it's still a tournament where you can grow.'
Current Champions League Winner Odds
According to Betfair, the latest odds for Champions League victory are as follows:
- Bayern Munich – 13/8
- Arsenal – 15/8
- Paris Saint-Germain – 9/4
- Atletico Madrid – 7/1
Ancelotti's pick aligns with PSG's favorable odds, reflecting their current momentum and performance in the competition.
Ancelotti's Focus on International Football
While preparing as Brazil's head coach for the upcoming World Cup, Ancelotti also shared his thoughts on national teams. He named France as the best in the world, praising their cohesive squad. 'There's a French school that has brought together the best players, distributed across various European clubs, but who, together, form a national team that is today the best in the world,' he said.
This insight adds depth to Ancelotti's perspective, showcasing his expertise across both club and international football landscapes.
