Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti claims he 'knows Real Madrid well' and identified Carlo Ancelotti as his 'great teacher'.
The Giallorossi and the Merengues will confront each other tomorrow evening at 19:45, in a match which sees the Spanish team as the undisputed favourites.
Spalletti was contacted by Spanish publication AS ahead of the game and asked to describe his style.
Roma Coach Luciano Spalletti claims he 'knows Real Madrid well' and identified Carlo Ancelotti as his 'great teacher'.
The Giallorossi and the Merengues will confront each other tomorrow evening at 19:45, in a match which sees the Spanish team as the undisputed favourites.
Spalletti was contacted by Spanish publication AS ahead of the game and asked to describe his style.
“All Coaches combine their ideas with the quality of the players available to them,” he said. “I came up with this solution, the 4-2-3-0, except you never knew where the zero was. He could have been anywhere, and it was a sensational player called [Francesco] Totti.
“Roma were undergoing a difficult moment and they decided to change things. I think they made a mistake. You don't sack a Coach due to a few bad results, you have to wait.”
Spalletti gave a similar answer, although a rather elusive one, when asked whether he agreed with Real Madrid sacking Rafa Benitez.
“Of course a President has to take care of his business, but in Italy coaches are changed too often. You have to back a Coach.
“I always say: I'd rather field the best eleven than play with the eleven best. I have to be careful about the group and the individuals and connect them.
“I returned because coaching Roma is a wonderful feeling. Only those who have been here understand that. Roma seeps into your blood and I'm a supporter.”
Spalletti then touched on Roma's upcoming game against Real Madrid.
“I know the Merengues well. I saw them play very often when they were coached by my friend [Carlo] Ancelotti.
“He is my great teacher. He is the best Italian Coach and the best school for tacticians. I learnt everything from him. Every time we have dinner together, my objective is to learn as much as possible about football. He's a great person and a great Coach.”