UEFA Super Cup: Carlo Ancelotti beaming over Real Madrid's squad
Wednesday 13 August 2014 10:16, UK
Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute to a squad of "extraordinary quality" after his Real Madrid side added the UEFA Super Cup to an ever-growing Bernabeu trophy cabinet.
Real secured their first silverware of the new season with a 2-0 victory over La Liga rivals Sevilla at Cardiff City Stadium after Cristiano Ronaldo netted twice.
"The team played very well, especially bearing in mind we didn't have much time to prepare," Real boss Ancelotti said. "The game worked out pretty well.
"I think we might be starting a very important cycle. We have a squad of extraordinary quality - I am fortunate to be able to coach an outstanding group of players.
"It's hard to improve this team. We have an outstanding set of players, and it is important to use the squad to its full capacity. To be competitive in all competitions we need to rotate players."
Ronaldo received the man-of-the-match award from Sir Alex Ferguson, with his former Manchester United manager presenting it to him before the post-match press conference.
Ronaldo struck in each half to ensure a successful Wales homecoming for his team-mate Gareth Bale as the Spanish giants won 2-0 and thrilled a capacity 33,500 crowd with their all-singing, all-dancing game.
Bale, who joined Real from Tottenham in a world record £86million deal last summer, also stamped his class on proceedings, delivering a precision cross from which Ronaldo scored his opener.
"It was my first official match this season, and I felt good," Ronaldo said.
"I managed to score and that gave me confidence, and I am going to continue to work to improve my level.
"We realised it would be a complex game tonight, but we played well and created opportunities. We played with intensity, and we were justified winners, which is why we are taking the cup back home."
Although the Spanish domestic season does not start for almost another fortnight, Real already look in ominous form, suggesting they will not only challenge for another European crown but also seriously threaten Atletico Madrid's reign as La Liga champions.
But much of the talk about the Sevilla side revolved around a player not involved against Real - left-back Alberto Moreno.
Liverpool and Sevilla each announced late on Tuesday that a deal had been agreed to take the 22-year-old to Anfield, subject to personal terms being agreed.
"This has been in the offing for a month-and-a-half," Sevilla coach Unai Emery said.
"We are in England and close to teams that are interested in Alberto. We want to wish him all the best."
