Real Madrid will host Cadiz in Santiago Bernabeu and will try to keep the great run. After the victory of Sevilla over Atletico Madrid, Real’s difference with the Sevillans (who sit in the second place) is not greater than 5 points, which means Carletto’s men will have to win to keep the distance unchanged. Ancelotti addressed the media in the virtual press conference ahead of the clash against Cádiz at the Santiago Bernabéu (Sunday, 9 pm CET).
The coach said: “We’ve had setbacks this week, but those who have tested positive are fine. The team has trained well and is ready to play tomorrow's game. "He’s been training individually. He trained very well today and scored goals in the game. He's doing very well and he's going to play”.
He added: "We don't have to change our identity too much. We’re playing against a team that maybe has less quality than others but they have a very clear identity and are well drilled. They make good use of set-pieces and are quick on the counter-attack. It's a game like any other and if we have to defend deep, we'll do it. This isn’t going to change the style from the last few games. We have to stress that we have defended well. We’ve improved a lot since the first part of the season on the defensive side. This is what’s improved the most since the beginning of the season".
Absentees: “After Modrić we've had others, like Asensio, Rodrygo and Bale. But then all the tests came back negative and we've had time to prepare for the match. This is something society and ourselves have to live with, we’ve never thought about postponing the match. Firstly, this is because we’ve got a squad that can cope with these absentees. Secondly, I think football and society have to live with this virus, which is not as strong as before. We have to be careful and take precautions, but we have to carry on. The club is very demanding in this respect and conducts tests every day, we have to look ahead".
Hazard: "He'll start tomorrow, he'll play a few minutes and he'll be able to show what he can do. He has the desire and motivation. He won't be playing just because there are absentees, but because he’s trained well and deserves to play. The problem is that he hasn't always been able to train at 100% due to physical problems, but now he's fine. I think he's going to play well in tomorrow’s game".
He continued: "I think Hazard is ready based on what he has shown in training. Obviously in the first part of the season he was affected by those in front of him, who have done very well, like Vini Jr. and Benzema. He's not used to the right side and I have opted to give Asensio and Rodrygo opportunities. He has everything he needs to perform well in the second half of the season and be useful for us".
Champions League last 16 draw: "It was unfortunate but we have to focus on this tie, which will be tough. It's really exciting to play against one of the best teams in Europe. It’ll be a tough and fascinating game.
Playing on the night of Reyes: "What can we say? Nine o'clock at night seems a bit late to me, but not for Spaniards, many Italians are in bed at nine o'clock at night. They’ve scheduled the match at this time and we are going to play it”.
Will Modrić play in Bilbao: "Modrić has tested negative but has not trained. He’s a bit tired and he’s had a fever these days. He won't play tomorrow' and then we have to assess what the regulations say and see if he has to wait ten days or if he can train. We have to clarify this issue because it’s still not clear".
Davide Ancelotti: "He’s fine, like the others. He has no symptoms. He’s doing well at home. The whole family is at home and has tested negative, and so are we. We’re used to this because he’s already had it, he’s had two vaccinations. We have to live with this. Unfortunately, it’s a problem that’s happening to a lot of families. We’re dealing with it and we’re going to push on, he’ll be back soon".
Planning: "We trained well and we’ve been lucky. You can't always talk about luck, but sometimes it helps. The team did well. We didn't start so well in the first half and in a way that helped us to be physically stronger in the second half. We just keep doing the same things: rest well, assess the players... there’re a lot of games. So far we've done well and hopefully we'll keep it up in the second half of the season".
2014/15 season: "It’s difficult. What I remember clearly is that we had a very serious injury to Modrić that disrupted the midfield. I remember that some games Ramos played there, like a few Champions League quarter finals. In one part of the season we didn't do so well, and we made it to a Champions League semi-final and we were one goal away from the final, and one or two points away from clinching the league".
When asked if Barcelona are direct title challengers: “Not direct challengers right now, because they are behind Sevilla, Atlético and Betis. But Barcelona have the quality to fight it out until the end and if I were Barcelona coach, I’d say the very same thing”.
Comments