Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti ‘Not Losing Sleep Over FC Barcelona’ That Has ‘Changed Philosophy’

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti said he's not losing sleep over high-flying FC Barcelona ahead of El Clasico on Saturday.

After demolishing Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League, the Catalans are on a high and also top La Liga by three points at the expense of their arch nemesis.

Asked who the favourite is in El Clasico, Ancelotti noted that it is difficult to choose one despite Barca "doing very well".

"Fortunately, no one keeps me up at night," Ancelotti added, as part of a quote that has been taken as him saying he is not losing sleep over the Blaugrana.

"In the Clasico, like in a derby, it is very difficult to choose a favourite. It's not just a matter of quality, but also of how you're able to manage the pressure, the moments of the game. [There will be] moments of control for both teams, [and you need to] manage these times to be successful in the match."

Barca's pressing game is one element that has improved tremendously under Flick, and while Ancelotti has "something in mind" as per the adjustments he needs to make, "it is not correct to explain it today".

"We'll have to see tomorrow and you can tell me if I've made a mistake or not," the Italian suggested.

One thing is for sure - Madrid will need to improve its intensity to match Barca, which is something that Ancelotti has demanded on the whole in recent times.

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Asked if he would "reinforce" his message about intensity, however, Ancelotti insisted that "in this type of match you don't have to talk much".

"You have to prepare a clear, very simple strategy, and nothing more. Everyone is motivated, they want to play these games. When I played, [Marco] Van Basten looked worried. He told me to give him the ball and run to celebrate with him. It happened many times."

As for making mistakes and being called up on them, a well-seasoned veteran said it doesn't bother him "at all".

"I understand criticism very well, even when I do [things] well. I don't think much about it. I have to clarify my ideas and try to explain them to the players. I like, many times, to know what the players think of the ideal strategy for each game," he clarified.