Carlo Ancelotti has brushed off concerns surrounding Manchester City’s busy schedule and Pep Guardiola’s reservations about their Premier League fixtures ahead of their crucial Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

While Guardiola has publicly voiced his frustration with the scheduling, Ancelotti remains unfazed, believing that City’s packed calendar will not impact the outcome of their showdown with Real Madrid.

Despite acknowledging that City have a tougher schedule than Real Madrid, Ancelotti is confident that it will not be a deciding factor in the Champions League quarter-finals.

Real Madrid currently have a week off before their next game, while City have matches against Aston Villa and Crystal Palace before heading to the Bernabeu.

When asked about Guardiola’s remarks, Ancelotti responded during his post-match press conference following Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory over Athletic Club, stating: “I believe the schedule is fair. It’s clear that City have a more challenging schedule than us. We may have a slight advantage in this aspect, but it will not determine the outcome of the match.”

Ancelotti’s calm and composed demeanor in the face of Guardiola’s concerns showcases his confidence in his team’s ability to perform regardless of the circumstances. As the anticipation builds for this highly-anticipated clash, all eyes will be on how both teams navigate their respective schedules leading up to the pivotal Champions League encounter.