Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media following the madridistas’ first outing of the pre-season campaign and reflected on El Clásico’s result. The Italian Boss appeared optimistic in his post-match comments. He said that in the second half Real Madrid got better and even said that this year's squad is superior to the one that won LaLiga Santander and the Champions League last campaign.
He expressed himself in the following terms: “We were better on the ball in the second half. In the first half, we defended well and set up with a low block, but we lacked that little bit of quality that we managed to produce in the second half. Benzema is the best player in the world and when he's not playing, we obviously miss him”
I think we have a better squad now than the one we had last year. In training, you can see that there is even more intensity. I think there was a lot of intensity in this match, especially in the first half, and I thought it was an even game. I tried to spread out the minutes among the players. I wanted to play some younger players. Overall, I liked this performance against a strong opponent”.
Ancelotti also confirmed that Karim Benzema will play his first pre-season minutes in Real Madrid's next match, which is against Club America on Tuesday by saying: "He should play 45 minutes in the game against Club America and then more minutes against Juventus. In the Juventus game, I'll test the line-up that will probably start the UEFA Super Cup".
A thought for the first visit to Las Vegas: “It's a very pretty city. This was my first visit and I've enjoyed it. The stadium is amazing”.
After him, it was Courtois who had something to say for the press. Courtois analyzed the Whites’ first friendly of the pre-season and explained the differences in the physical condition and preparation between the teams, stating that Barcelona starting the pre-season earlier gives them a little more advantage. However he acknowledged opponent’s hard work and merits in the game and pointed out how important these matches are when it comes to preparation for the upcoming important games.
He said: “It was their third game and our first. It was a good game played at high intensity. Before their goal, Valverde hit the post and we defended well in the first half, but they scored a great goal. In the second half we almost equalised with Asensio’s chance. Then they had three good chances”.
The Belgian added: “It was good considering it was the first game. We’ve come here to prepare, and we have to keep working towards our first important match, which is in Helsinki. You never want to lose these games and you have to play well. It’s a friendly and it’s different. These types of games really help for the game against Eintracht”.
Debutants: “Rudiger and Tchouameni did really well. They have to get to know our system, but both of them played really well. They’ve adapted very well and the gaffer will make it more difficult for them gradually”.
Fans: “We came here to play a friendly and it’s like a party atmosphere for everyone. The rivalry has come over here from Spain. We’re delighted to be able to play at such a magnificent stadium. I hope all the fans enjoyed it and they also enjoy the games against Club América and Juventus”.
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