On the eve of the decisive clash against RB Salzburg, Carlo Ancelotti spoke at a press conference. He touched on a number of key issues that will feature prominently in the match on matchday seven of the Champions League. Between the challenges of the competition’s new format, the evolution of Madrid’s squad, and the ambition to maintain a positive dynamic, the Italian coach also answered questions about the form of his players, notably Kylian Mbappé, and his own future at the helm of Real Madrid. Here are the key points from the conference.
Has the new format of the Champions League, with two extra games, changed your approach?
Carlo Ancelotti: It’s difficult to say at the moment. Playing two extra games is a bit restrictive, but it’s a change you have to adapt to. When something new happens, you have to assess it calmly. After these two games, we can talk about it and see what it brings.
Is Manchester City’s recruitment of Pep Guardiola a healthy response to the competition?
Carlo Ancelotti: No, not at all. We have a very complete squad. After what happened last year, the departures have actually raised the level of commitment in the team. We’ve found sources of inspiration and we’re ready for this year.
Mbappé said he had ‘thought too much on the pitch’. How do you react to that?
Carlo Ancelotti: Well, you have to think less! (laughs) It’s important, at times like these, to get back to basics. When a player isn’t able to play at his best, it’s often because he complicates things. You have to simplify things, not get lost in pointless thoughts.
🚨🚨 Carlo Ancelotti: “I’ve absolutely NOT decided to leave Real Madrid… I hope to stay for FOUR more years, same as president Florentino Pérez”.
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2025
“That would be perfect in order to do a big farewell together in 2029!”. pic.twitter.com/8frvytrmBC
There are rumours that you will be leaving at the end of the season. What’s the latest?
Carlo Ancelotti: (laughs) No, no, no… I want to be very clear: I will never decide when I will leave the club. The time will come, but I don’t know when. I won’t decide. It could be tomorrow (laughs), in a few games, a year or even five years. Florentino Pérez will be here for another four years, and my aim is to be with him for those four years (laughs). Then we can say goodbye together!
Regarding Mbappé and his position on the pitch, have you changed his role to improve his performance?
Carlo Ancelotti: Yes, at the start they swapped positions a little with Vinícius, but that’s happening less and less. It’s not to improve Mbappé’s performance, he feels fine. We just have to keep going like this. If you’re not scoring away goals, you need more touches. If you play more inside, you don’t need as many touches. You have to be able to stand out and do the job.
🚨 Ancelotti: "Leaving Real Madrid? NO. I want to be very clear. I will never decide to leave Real Madrid. This day will come, but it won't be me the one who decides. It could be tomorrow or in 5 years. The plan is to be here with Florentino for another 4 years and say goodbye." pic.twitter.com/RBf6Q5d8gf
— Madrid Xtra (@MadridXtra) January 21, 2025
Do you have more titles than affection?
Carlo Ancelotti: I don’t think so. If we’re talking about affection, I feel very much loved by everyone here. Sometimes you can exaggerate a bit and lose a bit of concentration, but I prefer to stick to my guns. I don’t mind the affection, but the objective is to keep moving forward.
From 1 to 100, where do you stand in terms of the team’s performance?
Carlo Ancelotti: It’s difficult to say, because you have to separate the two aspects. Offensively, we’re performing well, but defensively, there’s still a lot of room for improvement. The key to our success will lie in the balance between these two aspects of the game.
Do you still think it’s possible to break into the top 8 in the Champions League this season?
Carlo Ancelotti: We don’t have much margin, that’s true. The only way to do that is to win our two remaining games. If we have to draw, we’ll give our all to get the best possible result. We’re used to this kind of demanding schedule.
Do you think Real Madrid need to improve their home form?
Carlo Ancelotti: Yes, absolutely. This match against Salzburg is very important. There’s very little time left before the end of the Champions League group stage. We need to add points and see where that puts us in the standings.
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