Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti had been a doubt for tonight’s UEFA Champions League quarterfinal clash at Chelsea FC, with his having tested positive for COVID-19 last week. Ancelotti, who did not initially travel with the rest of the team to London, returned a negative PCR test earlier today, and that allowed him to fly to London for the blockbuster fixture.
The club announced that the 62-year-old, who won two pieces of silverware while managing Chelsea 2009-2011, will be on the touchline tonight.
Chelsea vs Real Madrid FYIs
When is it? Wednesday, April 6 2022 8 PM Local Time
Where is it? Stamford Bridge, London
Chelsea Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Real Madrid Preview Material: Team News Starting XI Prediction
Who’s in form? Chelsea (WWWWL) Real Madrid (WWWLW)
What are the odds? Chelsea (+300) Real Madrid (+100) Draw (+240)
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The man in the opposite dugout, Blues boss Thomas Tuchel, missed February’s Club World Cup semifinal due to having tested positive for covid-19.
“Nowadays you [have] virtual help so I’m pretty sure he can do the team-talks and can be in touch with players,” the German said
“But it is always better and much nicer to be there and have a direct influence. That’s what we as coaches love the most: to be in the middle of the group and be part of the group and if we can constantly communicate, not only with words but also with how you feel, with a smile.
“And when all this is missing it is strange. I hope he still makes it. I have information that he will try to arrive tomorrow in the evening. I personally hope he makes it. He is a big, big coach, a big personality and it would be nice to have him on the sidelines in this type of game.”
Paul M. Banks is the owner/manager of The Bank (TheSportsBank.Net) and author of “Transatlantic Passage: How the English Premier League Redefined Soccer in America,” as well as “No, I Can’t Get You Free Tickets: Lessons Learned From a Life in the Sports Media Industry.”
He has regularly appeared in WGN, Sports Illustrated and the Chicago Tribune, and co-hosts the After Extra Time podcast. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram.