Carlo Ancelotti quipped he'll have half of Merseyside in his corner tonight – hoping he can get one over on the other half.
The Italian's sudden departure from Everton for Real Madrid this time last year didn't go down well with many at Goodison.
But he's sure the blue half of Merseyside will rekindle a love affair with their old manager in Paris given the opposition.
The 62-year-old laughed and said: "I know that the Evertonians support us, for sure. I know there is a big rivalry on Merseyside.
"I have a good memory from my time spent in Liverpool on the blue side and I'm sure they will support me (in the final)."
Ancelotti is gearing up to manage in a record fifth Champions League final.
A two-time European Cup winner with AC Milan as a player, he went on to steer the Rossoneri's European victories in 2003 and 2007 before overseeing Los Blancos' 2014 triumph.
Ancelotti was sacked by Madrid the following year and, after stints at Bayern Munich and Napoli, took the reins at Goodison in December 2019.
The Toffees finished 12th that season and 10th in his only full campaign before Spain beckoned.
That proved a masterstroke, with Ancelotti helping Real to win La Liga at a canter and leading the comeback kings on a rollercoaster to tonight.
