Real Madrid took home the Intercontinental Cup trophy last night at the Lusail Stadium after putting three goals past Pachuca in the finale.
Kylian Mbappe, Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. were all on the scoresheet on the night and stepped up under pressure to help Los Blancos earn the bragging rights which will do a world of confidence to the dressing room.
Speaking to the media after his team’s second trophy of the season, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti discussed a wide range of topics, from what the title meant to them to the year so far.
Ancelotti proud of his players in the difficult season
Carlo Ancelotti was proud after winning the Intercontinental Cup. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)
He began by outlining what a challenging year it has been so far, especially with the injuries and the hectic schedule.
“It has been a fantastic year. We have had various difficulties and we continue to have them, such as the injuries to Courtois, Militao, and Carvajal.”
“We have finished the year very well and that gives us the confidence and motivation to try to continue having very good results in 2025,” he added.
Commenting on the wonderful squad he had under him who always aim for the stars irrespective of the writing on the wall, Ancelotti said,
“The history, the tradition of the club, and the quality of the players we have mean that we have to try to win all the competitions. That is our objective: to try to compete.”
“We have had the luck, the commitment, and the strength to win so many titles in 2024. That fills us with confidence to continue competing in 2025,” he added.
Yet, he insisted that the team would have time to celebrate this title.
“We haven’t celebrated yet. We will rest during the flight and then we will be with the family.”
On his milestone
Carlo Ancelotti is now the most successful manager of Real Madrid. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Real Madrid coach also commented on the special milestone that he crossed on the night as he became the most decorated manager in Real Madrid history with 15 titles to his name.
“It’s an honor. It’s the club that all coaches want to coach because it’s the best in the world. Winning titles at Real Madrid is easier than winning them elsewhere,” he began.
“It’s a fantastic club, with a squad of the best players in the world and fantastic fans. It’s not easy to win titles, but it’s easier to win them here,” he added on Real Madrid’s greatness.
He was then asked to choose his favorite title that he had won at the club, to which he said,
“I don’t choose just one title. It’s difficult to choose, but the Tenth was special for me and for Real Madrid.”
“When I returned to the club, I choose the Champions League victory in Paris, which was also special. If I have to choose, I choose these two,” he added on his next favorite.
Ancelotti also fondly recalled how his arrival for a second stint was completely out of the blue, albeit somewhat planned from his end.
“I never imagined it. I never thought I could come back. I called to see if I could sign someone from Real Madrid and they fell right into the trap.”
On Rodrygo, Camavinga and Vinicius
Vinicius Jr. put on an impressive display. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)
The Italian gaffer also gave updates on Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo who have just come back from injury and the overall situation in the dressing room.
“Rodrygo and Camavinga have returned and Alaba will soon be back. The squad is more complete and little by little we are getting out of the difficult moment.”
“We are very dangerous up front and if we are able to get the ball out cleanly from the back the team is very dangerous,” he added.
Providing an update on Vinicius Jr, as well, Ancelotti said,
“He’s coming back with us, training until Friday, and on Saturday he goes on holiday to return on December 30. We don’t have much time to prepare for the match against Valencia, so we all return to training on the 30th.”
Finally, the coach spoke about what was next for the club, to which he responded that there was no time to slack off.
“On the 22nd we have another match to prepare for. After the defeat against Milan, the team has grown in attitude and commitment. We have done things well again and we are alive.”
“It gives us confidence for 2025. I was more nervous than usual because I didn’t like the team. In 2025 I will return to normality,” he added.
Source: Real Madrid website