Ancelotti spoke as always to the press before the matchday. This week Real will travel to Sevilla to play against Real Betis, a tough team that has always given a hard time to the madridistas. This week things will be even more difficult since the Italian coach will face a long list of absences and will need to think a lot on how to place the team in the field and what moves can he make during the game...
In the virtual press he put the highlight in the fact that the team needs to defend well and made everyone understand that the game against Betis will be tough and not open. He also spoke about the players in particular and about the transfer market even why he didn’t want to give much time to the rumors and details, preferring to concentrate to Saturday’s game and to the team that he has in hands at the moment.
“Betis are a good team and have strengthened over the summer. They have a very experienced manager and we have to make sure we improve defensively, as this is what didn’t work so well against Levante. We’ve been good in attack, but tomorrow it will be essential to defend well in this game. At Real Madrid we don’t play to draw so we’ll go out to win the game against Betis, but sometimes that can’t go against you. Against Levante, it went against us and we have to defend better and try to win the game tomorrow”.
About the arrival of Mbappe: “In relation to Mbappé, it’s something that the club is handling. I’m only thinking about tomorrow’s game and so are my players. It’s a club issue that is of interest to everyone, but I can’t say any more. I’m only focussed on the game against Betis. I’m only thinking about preparing the team, giving instructions and managing the players accordingly. I’m only looking at issues on the pitch. Everything else is taken care of by the club”.
On what would the arrival of Mbappe mean: “He’s a great player, but we also have great players here. I hope they’re in the best condition to be able to demonstrate the quality they have. I can only say that managing Real Madrid means coaching one of the most prestigious and important clubs in the world, but it’s a massive responsibility and also a thrilling experience. That’s what I feel every day when I train at this club. I’ve got a fantastic squad and that’s what I’m focussed on. This squad has what it takes to compete with any squad in the world. Now we know who is in our Champions League group and they will all be tough games. I’ very happy with the squad I’ve got, but if it is improved then it’ll be better for everyone”.
On Hazard’s situation: "He’s a very important player for us who is recovering from a period out on the sidelines and he’s doing really well. He’s focussed and highly motivated. He’s a really important player for us”.
On working with Florentino Pérez and Silvio Berlusconi: “I don’t know who has changed football the most. Florentino has had a fantastic career. Real Madrid an AC Milan are the two clubs who have won the European Cup the most times and this speaks volumes about the work they’ve put in. I’m lucky enough to have been able to work with both of them and this club is fortunate to be run by this kind of person”.
Returning to the match and the absences: “Nacho the pessimist won’t be there, but Carvajal, another pessimist, will be back. Defending is all about making sacrifices and concentrating, as opposed to defensive quality. Everyone can defend. Some players are more physical and others position themselves better. It’s not just a job for the defenders but for also for the midfielder and forwards. In today’s game you can’t just defend with seven or eight, it has to be with eleven and that’s what we’re working on”.
About Vinicius Jr: "He’s a first team player. He hasn’t started the first two games, but he’s come on and scored two goals. That’s what I want from the players who come on. He’s in great form and I’m assessing him. I love the fact that he’s scored three goals in one hour when he didn’t score too many last season in the league. He has the ability to score a lot of goals for us despite not being a centre forward".
Atmosphere in the changing room: “We talk and focus on the job. We have to prepare well for the training sessions and train well. Then we study the video to see what we’ve done well and badly, and we try to improve these things. We don’t speak about the (transfer) market. Some players who don’t get the chance to play much might be thinking about leaving, but the squad is focussed on preparing for the games”.
Is it easier for a coach not to select Vini Jr. than other players? “No. It’s the same. It’s always difficult to leave a player who deserves to start on the bench. The starting line-up can sometimes be decided because of small details and it may be fair or unfair, but the coach is the one who watches the sessions. It’s the most difficult thing for a player, whether they are experienced or not, because every player wants to play”.
Competition for the places in attack: “There’s a lot of competition. I’ve played Lucas (Vázquez) as a right-back and Asensio can play in the centre of midfield. We have a lot of competition in attack, but it’s a long season and I’m going to need everyone”.
On Casemiro’s contract renewal: “Perhaps Casemiro could’ve played more minutes during my first stint at the club. I’ve spoken to him about this and I told him that I may have been wrong with that. Right now he’s an essential player for this side. His contract renewal is important, because he’s a quality player and what he brings to the squad is essential. We need an intelligent player further back to prevent counter attacks and control the defensive aspect. He’s improved a lot on the ball as well”.
Carletto was also asked about Manchester United signing Cristiano Ronaldo: “The signing of Cristiano Ronaldo is good for everyone. He returns to a team where he is loved and where he’s had a lot of success. It’s a great signing and I wish him the best. I have a good relationship with Manchester United and I like the club. But there’s an abundance of talent and quality in LaLiga too”.
Comments