"Cristiano’s fine, all he needs is to start scoring again”

Carlo Ancelotti gave his pre-match press briefing ahead of tonight’s training session at the Veltins Arena where his side will face Schalke 04 in the first leg of their Champions League Round of 16 tie.

What’s the general mood going into Wednesday’s match?

We’re going into the game with the idea of enjoying it and enjoying the moment. We need to start playing well again – with intensity and passion. I’m confident we can do that because we put in a good display against Deportivo, not without difficulties and I’m sure we will be even better tomorrow”.

Has the team lost motivation? Or will tomorrow’s game be the chance to boost spirits?

In the league our motivation is high because we’re top of the table. There is no greater motivation that the chance to win the league and this competition is the same. We’re the defending European champions and we will be doing everything possible to become European champions again”.

How’s Pepe? Will he play tomorrow?

He will play.

… and Cristiano Ronaldo?

He had a good game against Deportivo, he worked hard and played with intensity. He’s improving. All he needs is to start scoring again and tomorrow will be a chance for him to do that”.

How would you describe Toni Kroos?

“Intelligent in reading the game”.

Pundits says they’re expecting a defensive Schalke, will you be fielding Illarramendi or Lucas Silva?

One of them will play but I haven’t decided which yet. Schalke have changed their system – they’ve been playing with three centre-backs and it’s very different to attack a team playing with three in central defence than a team which fields a flat back four”.

Have you thought about changing your formation due to the players out injured?

No, the system will stay the same as always. In a game like this, you need to play with intensity in attack and in defence. That’s what I have asked of my players so that we can win the ball back quickly and have more depth in attack”.

You’ve won the Champions League as a player and as a coach; do you dream about being the first coach to win back-to-back titles?

It’s a fantastic motivation. We were here last year and now we're back with the same dream. It'll be difficult, almost impossible but we have to try”.

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