:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56085331/821448580.0.jpg)
Bayern Munich coach Carlo Ancelotti has said that “anger” over the loss to Real Madrid could serve as motivation to his players in the Champions League next season. Bayern were eliminated in the quarter finals of the competition last season in a controversial tie that saw several key decisions go against the them.
Speaking to La Gazetta dello Sport [via ESPN FC] the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager had this to say:
If there had been VAR [video assistant referees], we would not have lost in Madrid and we would not have been knocked out of the Champions League. I'm in favor of innovation, just as long as the game does not suffer for it.
Decisions that went against the Bavarians in the second leg of the tie included a controversial second yellow card for Arturo Vidal, which reduced Bayern to 10 men against the defending European champions. With the game level at 3-3, a blown offside call later handed Los Blancos the lead in extra time. Another such goal a few minutes later effectively ended all hope of a Bavarian comeback.
Ancelotti said that his players had not yet stomached the loss, but did state the following:
It's not that we've stomached it now -- we've totally cancelled it from our memories.
Now we start from scratch, with more anger within us and the knowledge that we are among the top teams in Europe.
It will all be decided in the spring -- whoever arrives there in the best form, without many injuries, will be able to challenge for the title.
He also spoke about the importance of James Rodriguez, who joined the German champions on loan from Real.
I'm counting a lot on James. I wanted him and know him well from my time in Madrid. He is injured now, but will be back quickly.
He allows us to play different ways and gives us unpredictability and pace. I am convinced that he is going to make a real name for himself at Bayern.
Finally, the Italian had this to say about the upcoming season:
The strength of the team and quality of the individuals is not in any doubt. Bayern will be protagonists in the Bundesliga, in the Champions League and in all the competitions we play in.