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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
Sport
Marc Mayo

Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid cannot plan only for Kylian Mbappe - PSG have Lionel Messi and Neymar too

Carlo Ancelotti has reminded Real Madrid that Paris Saint-Germain are more than just Kylian Mbappe - with Lionel Messi and Neymar among their ranks too.

Les Parisiens are hoping to line up all three of their star attackers when heading to the Bernabeu on Wednesday, protecting a 1-0 lead from the first leg of their last-16 Champions League tie.

PSG included Mbappe in their matchday squad for the clash despite the Frenchman suffering a foot injury in training earlier this week, but Ancelotti expects to face the man who Real are desperate to sign in the summer.

“We have a plan not only for Mbappe, but also for Neymar, Messi and all of PSG’s top players,” the Italian told reporters.

“The plan is to play as a block, with the ball and without the ball, to put in intensity, to endure the 90 minutes, and to play a complete game.

“It has to be an intelligent game, we don't have to go crazy. We have to win the game. We don't have to score many goals, we just have to win it. You can go ahead immediately or in the last minute, the important thing is to keep the game alive and play with intensity.”

There is an expectation that Mbappe will receive a rapturous reception from the fans in Madrid, at the hope of swaying him towards a rumoured free transfer between the clubs when his contract expires in the summer.

“The history of the Bernabeu shows that good players are always greeted with applause,” Ancelotti noted. “Of course they would understand, our fans like great players and want to see Madrid win and play well.”

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