Carlo Ancelotti has responded to Mohamed Salah’s claims that he is out for 'revenge' when Liverpool take on Real Madrid in the Champions League final this weekend.
The Reds take on the La Liga giants in Paris on Saturday night with Salah out to avenge the 3-1 defeat his side suffered against Real four years ago. Salah was forced off injured in the first-half following a clash with Sergio Ramos.
And reacting to the news that the Reds will face Real in the final, the 29-year-old expressed his excitement about the prospect of being able to seek revenge for what happened back in 2018.
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He said: "I'm so excited. I said before the game that I wanted to play Madrid in the final. We lost in the [2018] final, it was a sad day for all of us, and I think it is revenge time. I'm sure it is going to be a tough game. They beat a lot of good teams, so we just need to focus on the game."
But responding to those claims on Tuesday, Ancelotti admitted Real will also be out to avenge the defeat Real suffered against the Reds in Paris 41 years ago.
He said: “It could be motivation, but Madrid also lost a final against Liverpool in Paris [1981]. It could be revenge for us too.”
While speaking at the same press conference, Ancelotti also spoke of his admiration for Reds boss Jurgen Klopp for the way he has helped change the game.
“These coaches have taken football somewhere new, especially regarding the German school,” the Italian said. “There’s more intensity and pressure, more advanced teams.
“I don’t think I’m from an old generation. I think I’m keeping up with the changes in football and will continue to do so. Taking into account the characteristics of the players you have, that’s the most important thing.”
