Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the crucial Champions League game against Atalanta in Bergamo on Tuesday night, with the Italian telling the press on Monday evening that everyone in his squad has a role to play, stating that “Endrick is staying here, as is Güler. They may need more minutes, but I’m not prejudiced against anyone. I just try to put the best players in every game, whether they are 18 or 40. Sometimes it can be like that with Endrick, with Güler or without them. You have to be patient with the youngsters, yes. They bring enthusiasm but, because they are young, they also have to learn certain things. I’m not prejudiced against youngsters: in my career I’ve put 17- or 18-year-olds in if I thought they were the right ones to play the games.”
Ancelotti on the demands of facing Atalanta
“Very, very demanding. Atalanta are doing very well, they’ve improved a lot compared to the Super Cup. They’re on a roll and they’re full of enthusiasm. But it’s a chance for us to add to our tally and qualify.”
Ancelotti on whether Vinícius will start
“He is fine. Today’s training session will be very important, as will Rodrygo. Bellingham is fine, 100%. The only doubts are Vinicius and Rodrygo. After training, we will decide.”
Ancelotti on what has changed with Bellingham
“Not much. What has changed is the dynamic of the team: now we have more mobility up top and he takes advantage of this. He has scored, of course, and that’s important, but his attitude has remained the same.”
Ancelotti on Atalanta coach Gasperini
“We are good friends. He was in the Juventus youth academy when I was there. He’s doing a fantastic job. Every season he changes a lot of players, but he knows how to adapt. He plays an intense, beautiful game. His work is spectacular.”
Ancelotti on Fede Valverde’s consistency
“For him, yes. Of course, you think about it, but when you have so many injuries, some of them long-term, it’s difficult to rotate. Valverde is a special case, because he has played as a full-back, pivot, inside back, winger... if someone says he doesn’t like being a winger, I don’t care, because with him as a winger we have won two Champions League titles. He is a fundamental player for this team.”
Ancelotti on Atalanta being top of Serie A
“It’s a great team, a club that does a spectacular job... despite losing a lot of players every summer, as I said before. It always adapts. And that says a lot.”
Ancelotti on whether this game is worth more than three points
“No, nothing more. It will be three important points to qualify. It will be difficult to finish in the top eight, so we will have to play a round of 16, unfortunately. But tomorrow is just three points.”
Ancelotti on being calm
“I have full confidence in my team, in my players. We have improved and now we are in a good dynamic. Tomorrow’s game could be the most complicated one between now and the end of the year.”
Ancelotti on how much he can take
“The coach endures if the club endures; if not... the coach doesn’t endure. It’s as simple as that. There is no other recipe. The club-coach relationship is very important for success. The basis must be trust. If you are successful, it is because this relationship has been very good.”
Ancelotti on his level of concern
“Medium, medium. It hasn’t gone down compared to Girona. We are worried about finding a good strategy to win against a very tough opponent like Atalanta. But no more. Medium.”
Ancelotti on Mbappé’s interview
“Tonight was going to be the first press conference without talking about Mbappé? Until you came along! (Laughs) He’s fine, he’s improving. I’ve only given him the confidence that a player arriving at a new club needs. He is having a good dynamic and tomorrow can be very important.”