Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of [Real Madrid](https://www.managingmadrid.com)’s final game of 2024 against Sevilla on Sunday. He was asked about Kylian Mbappe’s adaptation, to which he said: “His adaptation period is over; he is already showing a good version, although he can still improve. He has recovered from his last injury and I see him more motivated, excited. He needed this time, as anyone does, but it has now come to an end.”
### Ancelotti on the match vs Sevilla
“We’re returning to the Bernabéu after many away games... and we want to end 2024 well. By winning. Sevilla is competing, it’s tough, but the goal will be to end the year with a victory.”
### Ancelotti on Atletico vs Barcelona
“This year’s league will be more competitive than in recent years. Atlético has all the resources to fight for it and will do so. It will be entertaining. And you can win with less than 90 points.”
### Ancelotti on his happiest moment of 2024
“The happiest... there are many. It’s been a fantastic year, perhaps unrepeatable, I don’t know. We’ll try, because this squad has a very high level. Maybe the [Champions League](https://www.sbnation.com/champions-league) has been the happiest, it always is. The saddest... I don’t know, because we haven’t lost much this year. Barcelona’s 0-4, maybe. I ask Santa Claus that there be no more criticism in 2025. But it’s something normal, I already said it.”
### Ancelotti on why this match is ‘unfortunate’
“Because we could have gone on holiday after the Intercontinental Cup, that’s all. And because it will be a tough match. It’s risky. It’s a last-ditch effort.”
### Ancelotti on whether the coaches’ schedule is tougher than the players’ (with regards to press conferences)
“(_Laughs_) Obviously the one about footballers! ( _Laughs_ ) I enjoy press conferences, that’s the truth. About 10% of the questions can be a bit nasty, but in general we have a pretty good time. Imagine 1,000 questions a year... ( _smiles_ ). I think so, we’ve had a good time.”
### Ancelotti on unnecessary losses
“‘Unnecessary losses’ are something we need to talk about because, as the word says, they are ‘unnecessary’. We are talking about it because there is room for improvement. Sometimes we take risks that we don’t need to.”
### Ancelotti on Mendy’s fitness
“He has recovered and is available for tomorrow. Alaba is also doing training sessions. I think he will return to the group on the 30th and will be available, perhaps, by mid-January.”
### Ancelotti on full-backs
“Both have done very well, Lucas and Fran García. They have played many games, contributing to the team. I don’t think I’ll put Valverde in there... unless it’s an emergency. And we’re trying out Asencio, who by characteristics can do it, although from a more defensive than offensive profile, of course.”
### Ancelotti on him coaching talented Brazilians like Vinicius and Kaka
“I have only given them confidence. And you only have to give that to players of that talent, because they have the talent to be the best in the world.”
### Ancelotti on 2024
“A great achievement, considering the many difficulties we have had. Despite everything, we have won five titles. Next year the objective will be the same: to compete, fight and win the Champions League. Again.”