Champions League final preview
Borussia Dortmund vs Real Madrid
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London • Date: 1 June 2024 • Time: 21:00
The 2023/24 UEFA Champions League final is poised to be a historic affair as it will be the last edition of the tournament in its current format. Perhaps, then, it is rather fitting that Real Madrid, the most successful club in the competition's history, is in yet another monumental final in which they will face German giants Borussia Dortmund as they hope to claim a record-extending 15th title. To preview this widely anticipated fixture, Soccer Laduma's Lukhanyo Mtuta caught up with former Orlando Pirates coach Roger De Sa, who recalled the fondest memory he has of the Champions League final and also discussed his experience of watching Los Blancos midfielder Jude Bellingham, prior to his move to Spain, at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. More insights were shared by De Sa, so let's go over to his thoughts on what could transpire at the final at Wembley Stadium in London on Saturday.
Bellingham Is A Monster!
Lukhanyo Mtuta: Hi Roger. Being a coach, how does a manager prepare for such a big occasion? What do you think will be running through Carlo Ancelotti and Edin Terzic's minds ahead of the final?
Roger De Sa: It's a big occasion, but I think the coaches will face it just like any other game. They will try and focus on what has worked for them and don't do anything different if it has worked for them up until the final. So, don't change too much, keep on going, and keep on with the same routines. You try and do the same warm-up, a similar team talk, and keep the trend going.
LM: Are you surprised by Dortmund's run to the final?
RDS: Am I surprised by Dortmund's run? Yes, I think everybody is. The whole world is surprised at how well they have done with Terzic, who is a pretty young coach. So, yes, it is a surprise, but it is also refreshing to see a new face and a new club from Germany (making it to the final).
LM: Real Madrid are famous for having star players, so how big a factor is the experience of the players in a final? They have veterans like Luka Modric and Toni Kroos, while Dortmund perhaps only has Mats Hummels and Marco Reus, who have been in a Champions League final before.
RDS: Big players play in big finals, and they make a difference. Real Madrid have so much experience and superstars, and then, of course, that's when the big names really step up. I think the final will be balanced. I do feel Dortmund have a realistic chance of winning, they are a real contender. I also think there's a fatigue factor about Real Madrid. But it will be evenly balanced, probably there will be an edge for Real Madrid because of the experience and the manager.
LM: Bellingham has been in remarkable form this season, and it will be a special final for him as not only is it his first, but he will be coming up against his former team Dortmund at Wembley. Do you think this affects him in any way psychologically?
RDS: Jude Bellingham has been unbelievable. I managed to play against him in the World Cup in Qatar when I was with Iran, and I could see the monster that he is on the field and how he dominates with his size and ability. I think it's great that he is playing against his former team, it will be on his mind to win it and he will probably get a bit of mixed emotions, but he will be professional about it and do the best that he can.
LM: Carlo Ancelotti is the most decorated manager in the tournament, having collectively guided his teams to four titles (two with AC Milan, two with Real). It will also be his third final as Real Madrid boss. Talk to us about him as a coach yourself, where would you rank him as one of the best managers of all time?
RDS: Ancelotti is top! He was a great player as well and he has come through the ranks to become one of the greatest managers in club football. He has been all over, and he's done the business everywhere he goes. His record with Real Madrid is second to none and he will be remembered as one of the greats.
LM: You've worked extensively with Carlos Queiroz during your coaching career with Egypt, Iran, and Qatar. Has he shared any of his experiences from when he was working at Madrid?
RDS: I have worked with Carlos (Queiroz) and I think it's five national teams. I have spent many nights sitting at a dining table, talking and even having discussions on airplanes. We have shared so many stories with each other and there are obviously many chats that we have had about Real Madrid. It's probably one of the highlights of his career and he often talks about coaching a team with superstars like Ronaldo (Nazario), Zinedine Zidane, (Luis) Figo, Raul, and the list is endless. So, he's always got stories.
LM: What's your fondest UEFA Champions League moment?
RDS: My fondest Champions League moment was Manchester United coming from behind to beat Bayern Munich (in 1999). For me, that was unbelievable, and I happened to be watching that game with my friends. We had a raffle, and my bet was a 1-0 win to Bayern Munich, which meant I was in line to win the raffle right up until the last seconds of the game and it didn't go my way. It was still an unbelievable night and a fantastic final. I think most South Africans still remember it because it's all we used to watch.
LM: Lastly, what's your final prediction for the final?
RDS: I am going for a Real Madrid win!
LM: Thank you, Roger.
RDS: No problem.
