Carlo Ancelotti says the Champions League win in May gave the Real Madrid players new found confidence going into the 2014-15 season.
Los Blancos picked up from where they left off by winning the European Super Cup against Sevilla in Cardiff, the first of six trophies the club is aiming for this campaign. Cristiano Ronaldo netted both goals in the 2-0 win in yet another mater class from the Portuguese forward.
But speaking after the match, manager Ancelotti said it wasn’t an easy game to prepare for due to the short pre-season.
“We won by playing well, with a good idea of how to play and with a lot of confidence. It wasn’t easy preparing for this match because we didn’t have a lot of time, but the team has done really well. The Champions League win has given the squad more character and confidence,” he said.
He also went on to praise a number of his stars who helped secure the Decima and the Copa del Rey last season.
“Cristiano is completely recovered and there is nothing to be said about Bale of Benzema because they are both fantastic. Casillas was excellent tonight. What happened during the World Cup is forgotten, this is a new season for him and for us. He has everyone’s trust,” Ancelotti told reporters.
And he had special words of praise for Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez, who both made their debuts for the club.
He commented: “Kroos was perfect, he played very well, was extremely quick and was clear with his ideas. James struggled a bit during the first half, but was great during the second.”
