Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti: Bayern Munich are very dangerous

Real Marid will visit the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, to play the first-leg game of the UEFA Champions League semifinals against Bayern Munich on Tuesday. Carlo Ancelotti, manager of Real, said at the pre-game press conference that the Bundesliga giants are a very dangerous team.

"We're preparing to play a big team with lots of qualities," Ancelotti said on Monday. "We are confident and have faith, but we have respect for Bayern Munich. They haven't played a fantastic season in the Bundesliga, but they played very well in two matches against Arsenal. This shows the quality of this club."

Bayern and Real have a long history of playing each other in the Champions League. Real beat Bayern in the past three meetings with Bayern, all at the knockout stage, and won the tournament in the end every time.

"They are strong in transition; they can play in different ways and are very dangerous. We need to focus and take ourselves to the final; that's our goal," Ancelotti said.

Ancelotti has won four Champions League titles as a manager, two at AC Milan and two at Real. He is one of the most experienced managers in the tournament. Thomas Tuchel, manager of Bayern, told reporters on Monday that experience is a huge advantage for the opponents.

"If it only came down to experience, then I wouldn't have a chance," Bayern's boss said at a press conference.

Ancelotti was asked about Tuchel's remarks, and his reply was that the game would be up to the players instead of the managers.

"It's not up to us, the coaches," Ancelotti said. "The match is up to the players. You give them the idea or the strategy, and they have to be convinced of it, but it's all about the players and their behavior on the pitch. Thomas Tuchel is a great coach, especially in terms of tactics. A genius. His teams are always well trained, and I have a lot of respect for him."