Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at the Camp Nou after Real Madrid’s rout against Barcelona, which sealed their place in the Copa del Rey final. His men pulled off an amazing show and reached the final after 9 years. In 2014, it was again Carletto who managed the team to the final and eventually to the 2-1 success vs Barcelona. This year, they overcame the Blaugrana in semifinal and will try their best vs Osasuna in the final in order to lift the trophy. Ancleotti owes this game to the great condition of the team which has in fact turned on the motors to the optimal speed and also to the details which more than often decide all kind of matches.
The boss had the following to say: "It was a complete performance, otherwise we wouldn't have won 4-0 here. In the first half we struggled to get the ball out, but the first goal changed the pattern of play and in the second half we caused a lot of damage with our transitions because we found more openings. What I'm most proud of is that the boiler has warmed up again and when we're warm, we do a pretty good job. Our approach was the same as in the last two Clásicos. The only thing I did was add more depth to the game with Rodrygo. The minor details decided the game. The amazing detail of the first goal, which was fantastic, defined the second half”.
The final against Osasuna: "What I said to Arrasate was a joke, but that's the reality. We're thrilled to be playing in the final and I'm sure Osasuna are too. It's going to be a final with a great atmosphere".
Benzema’s form: "The work during the break has certainly helped him. He's found his best condition and with the quality he has, he makes a difference for sure. He's still one of the best players in the world at the moment and when he's in good shape he makes a difference".
Praise for Kroos and Modrić: “These are games where personality and experience are hugely important. With the starting line-up, I looked to combine the energy of Rodrygo, Valverde and Camavinga with Modrić and Kroos’ experience. That’s vital in ensuring we stay strong when they put the pressure on. Both of them put in an incredible performance”.
Camavinga: “He’s very young and he’s in really impressive form, whether he plays at the base of midfield or at left-back. He played really well up against Rapinha and he’s getting used to that position. He played a top class game, like all the others. I still think he’s a left-back in emergency situations and he gives us another option there”.
Vini Jr.’s substitution: “It was a game with lots of contact and tensions were running high. That can happen in big games and I took him off because he was on a yellow card and another one would have seen him miss the final. I didn’t want to risk it”.
Feeling vindicated following the win: “This wasn’t about vindication. What do I have to feel vindicated about? Nothing at all. I’m happy because I’m lucky enough to be coaching a great team at a great club. We celebrated qualification in the dressing room because it was a big challenge to come from behind and make the final. I’ll celebrate on the pitch if we win the Copa”.
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