The coach does not expect his star forward to struggle with pressure on Wednesdady and revealed he was “holding back tears” upon being announced as Real Madrid boss
Carlo Ancelotti has warned Liverpool fans they are wasting their time if they taunt former Manchester United star Cristiano Ronaldo on Wednesday night.
Real Madrid face Brendan Rodgers’ men in their latest Champions League group stage encounter at Anfield – one of the few major grounds at which the Portugal international is yet to score.
Ronaldo has struck twice in nine games against Liverpool, but is currently on an incredible run of goalscoring form having found the back of the net 20 times in just 13 appearances for club and country this term.
And Madrid boss Ancelotti – who on Monday ruled out the prospect of the 29-year-old ever returning to United – believes nothing can possibly faze his star man and even thinks the hostility on Merseyside could work in his favour.
“No, he won’t be more motivated because it’s Liverpool,” Ancelotti told The Sun.
“Cristiano is always super-motivated. But, if the atmosphere is hostile, this motivates him more.”
Ancelotti – who lifted the Champions League and the Copa del Rey in his first season as Madrid boss last term – looked back at his maiden campaign in charge of the club at Tuesday’s press conference and revealed how he came close to tears upon being given the job in the summer of 2013.
“I remember I was trying to hold back tears on the day of my presentation as coach of Real Madrid,” the former Paris Saint-Germain and AC Milan boss added.
“I knew it was the largest in the world, the world’s largest club and was professionally it’s been a great pleasure to coach this team.”
Madrid have won their opening two group stage games against Ludogorets and Basel, and victory on Wednesday could move them to within touching distance of a place in the knockout stages of the competition.