Carlo Ancelotti and Florentino Perez expressed their delight in the press room at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium after Real Madrid defeated Al Hilal to become world champions for the eighth time in their history. The architects of this successful team praised the squad for the effort they put not only during the competition but also during the season making it possible for Real Madrid to become part of the competition in the first place. They also appreciated the warm welcome and the fantastic atmosphere during the competition on and off the field.
The Italian coach had the following to say: “We had a good tournament and we've shown improvement over the last few games. We have a lot of quality up front and we need to improve on some mistakes at the back. We're also going to get players back who have been injured. Karim has returned and Militão and Courtois will be back soon. This title gives us a boost for the rest of the season. We have the desire and the will to do our best in all competitions and in every minute of every game".
"The atmosphere was fantastic. The city, the hotel and the training camp have been terrific as well. We have been very comfortable and Morocco seems to bring me good luck, so I hope to come back. We've had a good time and we're going home with the title and the happiness of all the Real Madrid fans here in Morocco”, the coach continued.
The Golden Ball of the Tournament: "Vini Jr. just keeps on growing. He started at the beginning of last year and is symptom of the team's progression. Little by little, we have won the Champions League and the World Cup title. He's doing very well and we're delighted with him. He keeps improving and now he makes a difference in every game and is proving to be much more effective and gets on the scoresheet in almost every game”.
He added: "Vini Jr. was upset by the defeat in Mallorca, but he prepared well for this tournament, which luckily we managed to win. Now we feel this trophy will give us a new impetus and we're raring to go. He'll have a rest for a couple of days because he can't play on Wednesday against Elche because he's suspended. The rest will be good for him, but he's not showing any signs of fatigue”.
Nine trophies with Real Madrid and eight with Milan: "They're two football clubs and two families that are managed excellently by Berlusconi and Florentino Perez. They're the biggest fans of their clubs and Real Madrid's legacy derives from its history and tradition. We're overjoyed to be part of this history”.
Valverde and his 11 goals this season: “I'm pleased because I don't have to tear up my membership card. He's had a tough time and he's getting back. He contributes a lot in different aspects. He's scored two goals and gives us so much energy on the pitch. With his energy and Vini Jr. on the other wing, we're going to pose a real threat up front”.
On replacing Tchouameni: “It’s just a knock. Nothing more”.
Equality in modern football: “I love football. It's a joy to see that it's improving all over the world. There's not as much difference between a European team and an African or Asian team anymore. The other continents are developing very quickly”.
Then, it was the president who shared his thoughts through motivating words: "To win a World Cup you have to win a Champions League. Madrid has an ongoing love affair with the Champions League and this Club World Cup is the icing on the cake. It's never easy to win a title, so this title is special because you have to win a Champions League first. To be the best in Europe and then in the world gives me great satisfaction and I'm very proud of all my players”.
55 trophies as club president and the sixth Club World Cup: "It's not easy because you have to win six Champions League trophies and I've been lucky enough to have done that. Then we have capped it off with the Club World Cup. We have to keep working hard because at Real Madrid everything we win is the springboard for the next trophy”.
Veterans and youth: "As they say, with the mix of veterans and young players and a coach like Ancelotti, you can achieve these things. The credit goes to the players. We have a team of great players who are not only fantastic players, but also great madridistas. That mix makes us invincible at times”.
Affection from Madrid fans: "I have been here for a long time and I have had the opportunity to see this in many places around the world. This reaffirms that Real Madrid is a global club and is close to the hearts of all the fans in the world. Our job is to continue to nourish Real Madrid’s legendary status”.
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