Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu and analysed Real Madrid’s victory against Shakhtar Donetsk. His team got another important victory and remains unbeaten in all competitions in this season. They sit in the top spot with 9 points in 3 games and are close to securing their spot in the next stage. Ancelotti appreciated the team’s performance and ability to communicate quite well especially in their attacking plays.
He said: “I’m satisfied because the team played well, pressing high up and linking up well in attack. We created a lot of chances, but we didn’t take them. But it was important to create chances and that’s what we did. Valverde’s drives forward helped us a lot. Kroos and Tchouameni used the ball well. Next week, we have the chance to win the group and focus on the league. It’s normal for the Champions League to use up your energy and this opportunity is really important”.
The Boss continued: “The team relaxes when they can relax. We were winning 2-0 and the game was under control. Intensity is important, but it can’t always be done. We dropped the intensity, thinking that the game was under control and we were comfortable. I had a word with them at half-time because the game wasn’t over. Sometimes this happens, because we were playing well and it seemed easy, but these games are dangerous. We only gave them one opportunity in attack, I’m not worried”.
Rodrygo’s position: “He changed position to press them when they played out from the back with the centre-backs. He played more in the centre because with Karim and we can do that in some games. He has amazing ability on the ball and he can play anywhere. We changed his position to try to defend with more pressure higher up”.
"He picked up a cramp in his calf. It's nothing serious and he'll be fine. He's still got to make some progress, but he's more confident and more clinical now. He's performing at his best here. He's playing more minutes as he deserves them due to what he's contributing in every game".
Benzema: "He's feeling great and was crucial thanks to his quality and his positioning. He put in a team performance and was a presence in the penalty area. He didn't get on the scoresheet, but that's the last thing we're focusing on. His condition has improved a lot and he put in a complete performance".
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