Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach said he’s not “losing any sleep” against high-flying FC Barcelona ahead of Saturday’s Clasico.

After demolishing Bayern Munich 4-1 in the Champions League, the Catalans are on a high note and also dominating La Liga with a three-point lead over their nemesis.

When asked who the Clasico favorite was, Ancelotti noted that it was difficult to choose one even though Barca are “doing very well”.

“Luckily, no one keeps me up at night,” Ancelotti added, as part of a quote that was taken as saying he was not losing sleep over the Blaugrana.

“In a Clasico, like in a Derby, it is very difficult to choose a favorite. It is not only a question of quality, but also of knowing how to manage the pressure, the moments of the game. (There will be) moments of control for both teams, (and you have to) manage these moments to succeed in the match.”

Barca’s pressing game is something that has improved considerably under Flick, and while Ancelotti has “something in mind” regarding the adjustments he needs to make, “it’s not correct to explain it today ‘today’.

“We will see tomorrow and you can tell me if I made a mistake or not,” suggested the Italian.

One thing is for sure, Madrid will need to improve their intensity to compete with Barca, something Ancelotti has generally demanded of late.

Asked if he would “strengthen” his message about intensity, Ancelotti insisted, however, that “in this type of match there is no need to talk a lot.”

“You have to prepare a clear, very simple strategy, and nothing more. Everyone is motivated, they want to play these matches. When I played, (Marco) Van Basten looked worried. He told me to give him the ball and run towards him to celebrate with him. It happened several times.

As for making mistakes and being called back, the Madrilenian said it doesn’t bother him “at all”.

“I understand criticism very well, even when I do things well. I don’t think about it much. I have to clarify my ideas and try to explain them to the players. I often like to know what the players are saying. players think about the ideal strategy for each match,” he said.