Real Madrid took the 7th win in the last 7 matches on Wednesday and Carlo Ancelotti analysed Real Madrid’s performance against Athletic at the Santiago Bernabéu in the online press conference after the clash. The Italian coach stressed that the team does not have too much time to prepare as they are playing very often, but however the team is doing well and giving the best.
The madridista coach said: “We played against a good team who play with great intensity, they hadn’t lost away from home so far and had had two days more rest than us. We did well in the first half. In the second half we misplaced more passes and had to endure a difficult 15 or 20 minutes. But we’re capable of digging deep when we can’t play the football we would like to. There‘re others who, when they aren’t able to do what they want, they give up. Real Madrid aren’t like that because we have a group of players with a really strong desire at the moment”.
“The fact that we’ve won seven games in a row doesn't come down to luck. When we can't use our quality in one area we can use another quality. I’m really pleased. I liked the end better than the first half because it looked like an exhibition game, where we didn't want to create chances. In the final stretch we lacked a bit of quality, but not the desire”.
Fatigue: “The team was tired towards the end. It's normal because we played against a fresher team and we felt that a bit. I have to take into account these things for the next match. I have to see if the players who showed signs of fatigue can play. I also think with the five changes it’s good to put on players with more quality in the first 60 minutes and players with more energy in the next 30 minutes”.
"When you go a goal ahead, you always have to suffer. They make it difficult at 1-0. Anything can happen in football when you're 1-0 up. A set-piece, a long ball or an individual error".
Looking ahead to the next three games: "We have to focus on the next three games with no time to rest. I have to assess my decisions. We're on a very good run and I'm very happy with everyone, both those who're playing and those who aren't. There's a very good atmosphere and I like the way we're playing".
On the opponents: "Athletic had chances and they played well, especially in the second half. But Real Madrid were the only team playing in the first 30 minutes".
About Courtois: "Courtois' playing out of his skin. We have to improve defensively. We struggled with two set-pieces where must improve. We've got Courtois and we should relish that. It's difficult to say who is the best goalkeeper I've played with. I've got a list of great goalkeepers: Casillas, Diego López, Buffon, Neuer and Cech. Courtois is right up there at the moment".
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