THERE is not very much that Carlo Ancelotti has failed to achieve during his long and trophy-laden career in football.
The Italian became the first manager in the game to lift the Champions League four times when his Real Madrid side defeated Liverpool 1-0 in Paris back in May.
But there is still one thing missing from his glittering coaching curriculum vitae – a win over Celtic at Parkhead.
Ancelotti has faced the Glasgow giants on their own hallowed turf on three occasions in the past and he has still to register a single victory.
His AC Milan side was held to a 0-0 draw in the group stages of Europe’s premier club competition back in 2004.
The San Siro giants recorded the same scoreline when they faced the Scottish side in the first leg of a last 16 double header in 2007.
And when they returned to the East End of Glasgow later that year as reigning champions they slumped to a 2-1 defeat when Scott McDonald netted in the final minute.
Ancelotti, then, is keen for Real to get the defence of their title underway this evening with an opening Group F triumph that ends his hoodoo.
“Yes, it is true, it has not been a really good stadium for me and my teams in the past,” said the 63-year-old before a training session at Parkhead last night.
“I don’t have a clear memory of being here. We played Celtic twice in the group stages and once in the last 16 when we were able to win in Milan after extra-time.
“What can I say? This has been a really difficult stadium for me and my teams in the past, but it is a fantastic atmosphere. I love that my teams can play in this atmosphere.”
It was, given his far from impressive track record at the 60,000 capacity arena, not surprising that Ancelotti snorted when a Spanish journalist suggested holders Real had been drawn in an easy Champions League group.
He is anticipating another demanding evening against Ange Postecoglou’s team, who have won all seven of the games they have played in the 2022/23 campaign to date, and appreciates his side will need to perform at their brilliant best to collect all three points.
“No, it is not an easy group at all,” he said. “Celtic first and foremost are a strong side and we also need to respect Leipzig and Shakhtar.
“There can also be surprises within the group – think of Sheriff (Real were beaten 2-1 by Moldovan minnows Sherriff Tiraspol at the Bernabeu in the group stages last season). Anything can happen. Going forward we are going to respect this group and see what happens.”
Ancelotti will take the attacking threat that Postecoglou’s ultra-offensive team, who have scored 29 times and conceded just two goals this term, pose very seriously.
“I know that Celtic is not going to change their style, their attitude on the pitch,” he said. “They want to play attacking football and this is absolutely 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 tomorrow.
“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.”
All eyes at Parkhead tonight will be on Luka Modric – the former Ballon d’Or winner is the man who pulls all of the strings in the centre of the park for Real.
Celtic fans will relish the chance to see the diminutive midfielder in the flesh and will be hoping Callum McGregor, Reo Hatate and Matt O’Riley have the measure of him.
The high level the 152-times capped Croatian internationalist is still performing at is incredible given that he turns 37 on Friday.
Asked if he could explain how Modric is continuing to star in Europe for the Spanish giants despite his advancing years, Ancelotti said: “There is no explanation.
“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.”
Real Madrid are hoping to have another Champions League celebration in Istanbul next year – and with Carlo Ancelotti leading them they have a very good chance.
“I’m not surprised we’re underdogs (they are fifth favourites with bookmakers behind Bayern Munich, Paris Saint-Germain, Manchester City and Liverpool),” he said.
“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.”
Ancelotti continued: “Real Madrid are a respected team, they will always be respected and they always have been.
“Not just with what we achieved last season, winning the title last season, but the history of the club over the years.
“We are looking forward to this season and what it can bring. You never know what can happen. First and foremost, we’ve got to get through this group before we start thinking about afterwards. And then following the World Cup we will see what happens.”
