Carlo Ancelotti has suggested that Rodrygo could start against Liverpool in the Champions League final on Sunday.
The Brazilian winger was the hero for Los Blancos in the semi-final against Manchester City, coming off the bench to score twice in injury time, before Madrid went on to win the match in extra time. And when manager Ancelotti was quizzed on the super sub's influence and chances of starting the final, he did not rule out the possibility.
Speaking at Madrid's open media day leading up to the Paris showpiece, Ancelotti said: “He might start, would you start him? I’m not worried, I know what he can do. This is not a game for 11 players, many more will be important and the starting line-up is one of the smallest concerns I have.”
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The La Liga team's domestic season finished on May 20 and with Madrid having already wrapped up the title, they were able to rest a whole host of first team players for the final league match against Real Betis on Friday. Ancelotti will have a fully fit squad to select from, including veteran defender Marcelo.
“The whole roster is in good shape and excited about the match," Ancelotti said. "Marcelo has a small physical problem but will be fine, motivation is huge. It’s the biggest game in the world of football and the fifth final in eight years for this club. Every single Madridista is proud of this club, we now have to enjoy it and get ready for it the right way. Now we’re calm, there’s a good atmosphere. The closer we get to the game we will be more tense, but it’s normal.
“We’re up against one of the most physical teams in the entire world and they also have quality. The physical aspect is important but will not decide the outcome of the game.”
In order to reach the final, Madrid have overcome major obstacles, turning around dramatics ties against Paris Saint-Germain and Manchester City. But the club's Italian coach does bot believe such achievements give his team a divine right to become European champions.
He added: “If we deserve to win it it will be because of what we do in the final, not before. We haven’t been showing tremendous quality, but not a single team beat us in commitment and motivation. I don’t think that’s enough to win it but we will have to make sure we have that in the final.”
