Reds should be in Champions League, says Ancelotti

AC Milan coach Carlo Ancelotti believes Liverpool should have the right to defend the Champions League title if they beat them in the final in Istanbul on May 25.

Ancelotti is surprised by UEFA’s decision to deny Rafael Benitez’s outfit a place in next season’s top European competition even if the English giants lift the trophy next week.

Liverpool just missed the cut to qualify for next season’s top continental tournament after finishing fifth in the Premier League.

“I think that a team that wins the Champions League final should have the right to defend it,” said Ancelotti.

But Ancelotti is hoping to solve the dilemma faced by the Football Association by beating Liverpool in the final.

“I think we may just do the English federation a favour and solve this problem,” said a smiling Ancelotti.

Liverpool have been the big surprise in Europe, knocking off Juventus in the last eight and then Chelsea in the semi-finals.

The Milan boss says they deserve their place in the final. “Liverpool is a team that I like,” he said.

“They are organised and they have ideas whether they play in defence or attack.”

Ancelotti has praised the work done by Benitez, considering the adversity the Spanish coach has faced in his first season at the club.

“Benitez has done a very good job with Liverpool. In his first year with the club he has taken them to the Champions League final.

“He has won the tactical battle against Chelsea and Juventus so I have a lot of respect for him.”

Liverpool have been forced to be more defensive in Europe, where they have often been the underdogs.

Ancelotti says Benitez reliance on defensive play has been justified. “I think it’s an advantage and it has paid off so far,” he said.

But with Milan having one of the strongest defences in Europe with the likes of veterans Paolo Maldini, Alessandro Costacurta and Jaap Stam and Alessandro Nesta, Ancelotti believes the title could well be decided from the penalty shoot-out.

Milan beat Juventus by penalties in the Champions League final two years ago after a very even game, and Ancelotti says the game against Liverpool could have a similar ending.

“I think the game against Liverpool will be more or less in the same line as that against Juve,” admitted Ancelotti.

“It wouldn’t surprise me if we had to go to the penalty shoot-out.

“And for this there is little you can do in terms of preparation even though we do practise penalties during training.

“But in a game, and especially in a final, it all has to be downto psychology and the conditions you face, so it’s by no means easy.”