The 55-year-old coach has warned his team against complacency as they prepare to face his former side, AC Milan, in a friendly in Dubai
Carlo Ancelotti has called on his Real Madrid side to maintain focus during the mid-season break so that they can retain their winning momentum.
Los Blancos have won all of their previous 22 outings in all competitions, a record for a Spanish club, but have not played since defeating San Lorenzo 2-0 in the Club World Cup final on December 20.
Despite the break the Italian is keen for his side to retain their current form ahead of their return to domestic action on January 4 with a trip to Valencia, starting with a positive performance in Tuesday’s friendly with AC Milan.
“We need to be focused, just when a team feels it’s invincible is when it starts to lose. We need to be sharp mentally,” Ancelotti said in a press conference.
“Winning helps you win. We want to keep that form up.
“The game [with Milan] has been scheduled since the start of our season and the key in football is being professional and hard work. It’s a great opportunity to prepare ourselves for the return of La Liga.
“It is a very special game for me because I have a big history in Milan and an excellent relationship with the coach [Filippo Inzaghi], who was my player.
“It is a preparation game and both teams see it this way. It will be a great spectacle for football lovers.
“Madrid have a great international image and a large number of fans in this part of the world. It’s an honour to play here against Milan.
The 55-year-old coach also took the time to give his opinion on Fernando Torres’ loan move to Atletico Madrid from the Rossoneri, before wishing his former player the best.
“The return of Torres seems exciting. I wish him well. I like him as a player and a person,” Ancelotti added.
“I coached him in my time at Chelsea. He feels he is returning home and it can provide him with extra motivation.”