Carlo Ancelotti addressed the press from the media room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the LaLiga Matchday 6 meeting against Atlético at the Cívitas Metropolitano (9pm CET). The coach spoke about his players and confirmed Benzema’s absence. He also spoke about the case of Vinicius Junior declaring that the young Brazilian is only thinking about football and that there is nothing else to it. Then some words about the opposition and the strategy to beat them.
He said: “It’ll be a good game of football and it could go either way. While it isn’t the be all and end all, it is an important game because there’s great rivalry there. This is one of the special things about football. I expect it to be the same sort of game as we always see against Atlético. It’ll be very fiercely contested and a good game of football because there’s great individual talent on both sides”.
Militão: “He’s ready to play because he has trained well. He may well start the game or come on for part of it. That’s a question mark in my mind. I’ve got to think it through properly”.
Vini Jr.: “I refer back to the club’s statement and the one Vinicius made. The focus has to be on the football. The player is feeling fine and is looking forward to the game and helping the team to try to win it. It’s something we don’t talk about in the dressing room. The player’s response was very good. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with him. He’s playing with the joy and quality that he possesses. I don’t give him any advice because I’m not his dad or his brother. I’m his coach”.
Benzema: “He won’t make the game. He’s started to do some individual work. He’ll make the most of the international break to make sure he’s ready for when we come back”.
Rodrygo: “He’s gaining in confidence. He’s getting more game time and is making the most of it. We have to be patient with the youngsters. They seize their opportunities by learning from the more experienced players. Playing a more important role is helping to boost his confidence”.
Asensio: “This is what happens in football. I’m so pleased that he has received a call-up to the Spain squad. He’s got quality and Luis Enrique recognises that”.
On Simeone: "The fact that Atlético have been fighting for things in Spain and Europe is largely down to their coach, [Diego] Simeone. I think that he has a very close bond with the players and the club. He’s capable of establishing a really strong relationship with players who give their all. I think that explains much of his success”.
Reception at the Metropolitano: "I’m not bothered about it. We’re going to play a football match at an away ground. It’s perfectly normal that the Atlético Madrid fans, for whom I have great respect, get behind their team. We’re only thinking about how we can beat them”.
Strategy: “We use the tiredness strategy. We trick the opposition into thinking that we’re tired and take full advantage in the second half of games”.
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