Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of his team’s upcoming match against Atalanta in the UEFA Champions League tomorrow, discussing the challenges they will face, the fitness of his players, and his thoughts on the team’s recent performances.
The Italian tactician began by describing the level of difficulty they expect from Atalanta, whom Los Blancos already defeated once this season in the UEFA Super Cup, saying,
“It will be very, very demanding. Atalanta are doing really well, they have improved a lot since the Super Cup. They are on a winning streak and bring a lot of enthusiasm. But it’s an opportunity for us to get points and qualify.”
When asked about the fitness situations of key players, particularly Vinicius Jr., who is back from his injury, Ancelotti responded:
“Vinicius is fine. Today’s training session will be very important, just like Rodrygo’s. Bellingham is fine, 100%. The only doubts are Vinicius and Rodrygo. After the training, we will decide.”
The manager was asked what has changed for Jude Bellingham over the past month, with the Englishman now back in his goalscoring form. In response, he said:
“Not much has changed for him personally. What has changed is the dynamics of the team: now we have more movement up front, and he takes advantage of this. He’s been scoring, which is important, but his attitude has remained the same.”
Ancelotti also shared his thoughts on Atalanta manager Gian Piero Gasperini, reminscing the time he coached him at Juventus.
“We are good friends. He was in Juventus’ youth system when I was there. He’s doing a fantastic job. Every season, many players are changed, but he adapts very well. His style is intense and attractive, and his work is spectacular.”
When asked about Federico Valverde’s consistency, having missed just one match in the last 77, Ancelotti praised the midfielder’s adaptability.
“For him, yes. Of course, you think about this. But when you have so many injuries, some of them long-term, it’s difficult to rotate. Valverde is a special case because he’s played as a full-back, pivot, central midfielder, winger….
“If someone says they don’t like him playing as a winger, I don’t care because we’ve won two Champions Leagues with him in that position. He’s a key player for this team.”
Regarding the lack of playing time for young talents like Arda Guler and Endrick, Ancelotti made it abundantly clear that neither player will be leaving the club on loan in January.
“Endrick stays here, just like Guler. They may need more minutes, but I don’t have any prejudices with anyone. I only try to put the best players out there for each match, regardless of whether they are 18 or 40 years old.
“Sometimes, that might mean playing without Endrick or Güler. We need to be patient with young players. They bring enthusiasm, but because they’re young, they also need to learn some things. I don’t have prejudices about young players.”
Ancelotti rules out January exits for Guler, Endrick. (Photo by Alex Caparros/Getty Images)
“Throughout my career, I’ve played 17 or 18-year-olds when I thought they were the right choice for the match.”
The Real Madrid boss was then asked if he feels the match tomorrow is more than just about three points. Ancelotti clarified, saying:
“No, it’s just about three points. It will be an important three points for qualification. It’s difficult to finish in the top eight, so we may have to play some Round-of-16 qualifying matches, unfortunately. But tomorrow is just about three points.”
On his calm demeanor despite the stakes, Ancelotti explained: “I fully trust my team and my players. We’ve improved and are now in a good rhythm. Tomorrow could be the toughest match we have until the end of the year.”
When asked about his level of concern about the team’s performance this season, Ancelotti responded:
“Medium, medium. It hasn’t decreased since Girona. We are concerned with finding the best strategy to beat a tough opponent like Atalanta. But nothing more than that. Medium.”
Finally, Ancelotti was asked about the media noise surrounding Kylian Mbappe and whether his recent interview could help silence it.
“Tonight was supposed to be the first press conference without talking about Mbappé… until you came along (laughs)!
“It’s going well, improving. All I’ve done is give him the confidence he needs as a player coming to a new club. He’s been in good form, and tomorrow could be a very important match for him.”
Source: AS