'It's difficult for Casemiro to play, he's not at 100%'
Carlo Ancelotti, on the Etihad Stadium pitch minutes before kick-off, indicated that Casemiro will not play, barring a surprise, and saw the team calm in the pre-match preparation.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the game against Manchester City, on the 'Movistar+' microphones, to discuss the state of the team just before kick-off.
Of the starting XI, which does not include Casemiro, he said he opted for Rodrygo because he is "in a good dynamic". "He is a player who works hard and is committed," added the Italian coach.
Casemiro is precisely the victim. The Brazilian has not arrived on time. In fact, Ancelotti considers that "it is difficult for him to play". "He's better, but I prefer to avoid risks because there's a second leg," he said.
"City's field disposition can change, we have to be ready for everything. It's a game where you have to do everything well, the defensive aspect, the offensive aspect, have character on the ball, defensive commitment.... You have to do everything," he said.
Ancelotti said he was "calm" because he knows "the personality of the squad". "I'm quite calm. It's an important moment for our club, for us," he said, "Afterwards there will obviously be concern.