The Italian coach looked at the current situation of Real Madrid, which he points out “is not in a critical situation in the league”, and also spoke about the future of the German midfielder and that of Karim Benzema
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room on Tuesday ahead of Real Madrid’s match against Elche, which was postponed due to the club’s World Cup dispute that the whites won against Al-Hilal.
The Italian coach was “chung” to return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where they have not played against Valencia since matchday 17. The transalpine also confirmed the losses of Courtois and Kroos. Despite training next Tuesday, the Belgian will not participate in the match against Elche. Lucas Vázquez and Militao will be available for the crucial game against the Elche.
Asked about the importance of this game and the point difference against Barcelona, Ancelotti commented that “we are at a disadvantage, but this doesn’t stop us from fighting every game to the last.”
“Winning helps to win. This is what happens at Real Madrid. You must try to repeat it so that others do not feel what you have felt. It’s a motivation and we’re going to try,” explained the white team’s coach about the hunger they can have after last season’s successes.
In this sense, he assured that “they are not in a critical situation” in the League, adding that “the fans know what we can do. We are going to challenge all leagues. It’s about the seriousness and professionalism of the players and we don’t need any more arguments,” he stressed.
Regarding the leader, Ancelotti admitted that “Barcelona is a very solid team. He has changed the way he plays, he plays more on the inside.” A culé team that has noticed that the defensive strength of players like Araujo, Christensen or Kounde is the least defeated team in the major European leagues.
The Italian coach confirmed that Rodrygo will replace the suspended Vinicius. About the Brazilian striker, he was also asked about his absence from the FIFPro nominations. “It must be a mistake,” he remarked sardonically. As for Camavinga, Ancelotti was blunt about his position on the pitch. «Camavinga played on the left due to an emergency. He can play there, but if there is no need, he will play as a pivot if things go well with Mendy and Alaba,” said the Italian coach.
Real Madrid’s task during this first part of the competition was undoubtedly defensive work. “Offensively we work very well, but in the back we have to improve. We have to work because it looked like we left a clean sheet against Athletic, Real Sociedad and Valencia, but in recent games we made banal mistakes. We don’t always have a collective commitment,” he said.
Asked about Tchouamení’s level, especially after the World Cup, the Italian coach admitted that “he started well, but his level has been affected by the World Cup. His quality comes back quickly, like with Valverde or Kroos.”
Precisely Ancelotti got wet about the future of the German midfielder, who ends his contract in June of this year, assuring: “I know what will happen to Kroos, but I cannot say. My feeling is that it will renew,” said the transalpine coach.
He also had time to talk about the situation of a Karim Benzema who continues without an extension with the white team. “I don’t know if Benzema has extended, but the legends of this club must stay with Real Madrid.” Asked about the possible integration of a ‘9’ next summer. Ancelotti pointed out that “that Madrid needs a 9 is an opinion. We are dealing with Karim, who is not a child. Now is not the time to talk about next season. We are focused on today.”
Finally, he again threw balls at the rumors that placed him as national coach of Brazil this summer. “The players joke about Brazil. We’re not talking about this. The reality is I have a contract until 2024,” he said.
Source: La Verdad
I am Shawn Partain, a journalist and content creator working for the Today Times Live. I specialize in sports journalism, writing articles that cover major sporting events and news stories. With a passion for storytelling and an eye for detail, I strive to be accurate and insightful in my work.
