Madrid — Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic about the Spanish club's chances of winning back-to-back Champions League titles even though bookmakers have not picked them among the top-four favourites.
"It's not a surprise for me not being the odds-on favorite, I think it's a good sign," Ancelotti told a news conference in Glasgow on the eve of Tuesday's opening Group F game against Celtic.
"I think that last year we had even less probability in the statistics to win it. And we have an improved team this season.
"What happened last year will happen again. We are going to compete until the end and, hopefully, we will compete in the final."
Last season, Real Madrid were considered to be the underdogs during their knockout round matches against Paris St Germain, Chelsea and Manchester City as well as in the final showdown with Liverpool but they went on to win a record-extending 14th European Cup title.
"In this competition, Real Madrid have always been respected. The history of the club is part of the history of this competition," Ancelotti said.
AFP