‘Just mind games’ – Man City fans react as Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan for second-leg ‘leaked’ by Spanish media

Share

Manchester City may have just received an early insight into the Real Madrid tactical set-up they will be facing next week, if Spanish media are to be believed.

City came away with a 1-1 draw from the Bernabeu in a match that saw them enjoy plenty of possession but struggle to include star striker Erling Haaland in their play. They fell behind to a Vinicius Jr strike but hit back in the second half through Kevin De Bruyne.

The fear and respect displayed by both sides at the Santiago Bernabeu served a purpose, but the side which cuts loose and goes for broke at next week’s return leg at the Etihad will make it to the final in Istanbul on June 10.

When a team emerges unbeaten from the away fixture of a two-legged tie, they have the right to consider themselves as favourites for the home game. City will expect to get the result they need to reach their second final of the competition when Real visit Manchester next week.

But for that to happen, Pep Guardiola’s side must look to dominate, intimidate and overcome a side that is arguably the most accomplished in world football when it comes to holding its nerve and getting a result.

Pep Guardiola and his coaching staff may have been handed an open goal when it comes to the tactical aspect of the meeting, as Carlo Ancelotti’s game-plan has reportedly now been ‘leaked’ in Spanish media.

According to Radio MARCA as relayed by City Xtra, a ‘source close to the Real Madrid coach’ Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that the Bernabeu boss intends to start wide-forward Rodrygo from the substitutes bench at the Etihad Stadium next Wednesday.

Eduardo Camavinga – who operated from the left-back role in the first-leg against Manchester City – will reportedly start in midfield, as Ancelotti implements a defensive version of the 4-4-2 formation.

It is claimed that Real Madrid will look to run the clock down against Manchester City, ensuring that the contest is not lost too early in the game, and increase the chances of extra-time or even a penalty shoot-out.

The report shared on Twitter gathered a number of replies from a wide range of Man City supporters.

@ladiesluvbrando: “We all know what happened last time Rodrygo came off the bench. We are finished”

@SivamMCFC: “Not falling for this.”

@CalJackson_14: “Just mind games.”

@KdbtheGoat12: “Mind games from the Spanish media”

@mcfcdvd: “Let’s not show this to Pep.”

@PunjKaran: “Doesn’t matter. It all depends on Pep now.”

@mbaalthani8: “Who cares what they play. As long as we have a good plan we’re fine..”

@brandon21871: “If it goes to pens I will not be there”

@CityEnthusiast: “So their plan is to deep block for 85 minutes then try to attack and win it in 5? Average game vs relegation sides. We’re built for this.”

Follow Us on Social media:

Scroll to Top