Carlo Ancelotti offers hint about Real Madrid’s Champions League final line-up

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has offered a hint about his Champions League final line-up and confirmed Rodrygo will play some part in the game.

Ancelotti’s LaLiga champions will face Liverpool in Paris on May 28. Los Blancos will be looking for a 14th win in the prestigious tournament and a repeat of their 2018 final win over Jurgen Klopp’s men.

Gareth Bale scored twice that night to hand Madrid a 3-1 win, with revenge already in the mind of Mo Salah.

Ahead of Real’s semi-final, second-leg win over Man City, Salah said he wanted Real in the final 

“I want Real Madrid. Man City are a tough side but I have to be honest, I would like to play Real Madrid. They beat us a few years ago so hopefully we can do that if we get them.”

With the title won, Ancelotti has been able to rest his experienced players in recent weeks.

Klopp on the other hand has had to put all his stars in the firing line.

Real have lost to Atletico and drawn with Cadiz recently after securing their place in the Champions League final.

Ancelotti though is believed to be happy with the fringe players that have been drafted into his side. And a few of them could be rewarded with game time in Paris against Liverpool.

“We didn’t need points, but we wanted to play a good game” Ancelotti said, via Marca, after the derby defeat.

“The priority was to avoid problems and give minutes to those who have played less.”

The Italian coach has previously stated his confidence of having a fully fit squad available to face Liverpool but he could opt for a wildcard starter in the final.

“When Nacho plays, doubts arise. That’s the good thing about this squad, that we’re not just eleven players”, said Ancelotti, via Marca.

“They (Rodrygo and Valverde) may or may not be starters in Paris, but they’re both going to play.”

Two-goal, semi-final hero Rodrygo could be a player who is handed a start in the final.

He’s started 20 LaLiga and Champions League games from 42 appearances this season and he could get the nod in attack.

Carlo Ancelotti to use 4-3-3 

Federico Valverde got the nod in the semi, with Rodrygo replacing Toni Kroos on 68 minutes before scoring twice in stoppage time.

The Italian boss has already stated he will use his preferred 4-3-3 line-up against Liverpool.

Ancelotti said at a press conference last week: “[We will use a] 4-3-3 that will sometimes change to a 4-4-2.

“I think there is no defined system. Sometimes to put pressure on the pivot, as we did against Manchester City, you go from 4-3-3 to 4-4-1-1.

“The idea does not change much, just a little the way of defending the opponent, of putting pressure on them.”

The former Chelsea boss though is well aware of the threat from Liverpool and specifically Mo Salah.

Ancelotti said: “Salah has said that in his position he is the best in the world and I think he is right.

“I agree with him. In his position, yes, he is the best in the world.”

READ MORE: Jurgen Klopp responds to Liverpool booing with question of his own; reveals Man City expectation