By Joshua Browne
Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti admits the pressure of falling at the final hurdle will make his players worry ahead of the Champions League final.
Los Blancos lock horns with with Borussia Dortmund on Saturday, aiming to obtain a record 15th Champions League title.
Ancelotti will be relying on the likes of midfielders Toni Kroos and Luka Modric and defender Dani Carvajal to leverage their experience in previous successful Champions League encounters, but the 64-year-old is keenly aware of the unpredictability that often characterises European showdowns.
"A Champions League final is the most important game and the most dangerous one," Ancelotti admitted. "You have to be a bit lucky, play well and never lower your guard but when you reach a final success is so close that you start worrying.
“It is a double-edged sword, we need to enjoy it to the maximum, and then concern starts that it could go wrong because we are so close to the most important thing in football.
"A lot of fear, it is normal. If you have more fear you will be happier if you are able to win in the end."
Throughout history, 20 coaches have secured the European Cup/Champions League trophy more than once, with only four managing the feat more than twice. Ancelotti has achieved this remarkable accomplishment four times.
Following closely behind Ancelotti are Pep Guardiola, Bob Paisley, and Zinedine Zidane, all of whom have won the prestigious title three times.
"Winning the Champions League is something very important," said Ancelotti. "That said, this season has already been very successful, no matter what happens.
"The priority is to give the players clear ideas. Be as direct as possible because the more of that, the less nerves the team will have."
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This article was originally published on 90min.com as Carlo Ancelotti admits Real Madrid have 'a lot of fear' for Champions League final.
