Carlo Ancelotti admits he is desperate to finally shatter his Celtic Park hoodoo.
The legendary Italian manager has conquered Europe four times as a boss but failed to conquer Glasgow’s east end in three visits Ancelotti was in charge of AC Milan when they crashed to a famous 2-1 defeat to Celtic in 2007 when they arrived as reigning Champions League winners. He was also held to a 0-0 draw in the last 16 stage the previous campaign and suffered another goalless stalemate in the group in 2004.
The Real Madrid gaffer still loves the Parkhead atmosphere but he’s determined to silence the home crowd this time. Ancelotti said: “Yes. It’s true, it’s not been good stadium for me and my teams in the past. I don’t have a clear memory of being here. We played Celtic twice in the group stages and once in the last 16 (2004 0-0, 2007 last 16 0-0, 2007 group stage 2-1) but we were able to win in Milan after ET. What can I say? It is a really difficult stadium but it is a fantastic atmosphere.
“I love that my teams can play in this atmosphere. It’s obviously going to be a difficult game. They are a lot like us in that they have a good dynamic at the moment, they play with a lot of intensity.
“But we are prepared, we are ready for it and hopefully we will get a victory in our first game. We are looking forward to it.”
Celtic boss Ange Postecoglou has insisted he’ll send out his side to attack – but Ancelotti isn’t worried. He said: “I know that Celtic is not going to change their style, their attitude on the pitch.
“They want to play attacking football and this is absolute the normal at their house. We are not worried to defend because if we defend well then I think fine.
“We defended very well in the past and I think one of the key points of our victory last season was to defend well at key points sometimes. As a team we have to be able to defend well but also attack well. That is what we would like to do.”
Ancelotti won’t take Celtic lightly but he hinted he could mix up his side for Celtic Park. He said: “It depends what you mean by a ‘less common player’. There is going to be rotation and it depends what you mean by a ‘less common player.”
Evergreen Luka Modric is expected to star though – just days away from turning 37. Ancelotti said: “There is no explanation for him. He is a fantastic player with fantastic quality and he has a great attitude. He had big injuries during his career but those three qualities have made him, at 37 years of age, one of the best midfielders, still, that we have in Europe. He is going to turn 37, have a big party and I hope that I am invited!”
Ancelotti is keen to add to his incredible Champions League haul but it’s a shock to some to see Real Madrid not listed among the favourites with the bookies to go all the way this term. But the Italian said: “No, I’m not surprised. If anything, it’s a good sign. We don’t mind being the underdogs. But, if anything, we have improved.
"We are going to try and compete all the way to the final once again. This is not an easy group at all. Celtic first and foremost are a strong side. We also have to respect Leipzig and Shakhtar.
"There can also be surprises in the group. You think about last year against Sheriff (2-1 defeat at the Bernabeu) in the group stage. Anything can happen. Going forward, we will respect this group and see what happens.”
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