Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti made some big confessions in front of the press this Monday. Just hours before the Champions League Round of 16 first-leg clash against Atlético Madrid, the 65-year-old coach made a decisive choice for the right-back position, which has been worrying the Madrid fans.
The Santiago Bernabéu will pulse with the rhythm of the Champions League this Tuesday. After eliminating Manchester City from the competition, the Madrid team will need to overcome Atlético Madrid to continue their journey in the tournament. With the absences of Jude Bellingham, Dani Ceballos, and the uncertainty surrounding Federico Valverde, Carlo Ancelotti made major announcements about what his starting eleven could look like against the Colchoneros, who are in good form based on their recent results.
Although several questions remained unanswered during the press conference, the 65-year-old coach made a clear decision regarding the right-back position. While there are concerns over Lucas Vázquez’s physical condition, as he has become a real weak point on the right side of the defence, Carlo Ancelotti has refused to start Raúl Asencio in that role. If the young 21-year-old defender were to play, it would be in the centre, assured Carlo Ancelotti, who prefers to play Vázquez as right-back if Federico Valverde cannot manage that position due to his physical state.
What Real Madrid do you want to see tomorrow?
“We have good memories of the match against City. It was a special night, and we want to repeat that kind of performance.”
The need to win tomorrow
“It will be a tight match that will be decided in the second leg. Tomorrow’s goal is to play well and gain the advantage. The match is balanced and competitive, but we can’t think about gaining a big advantage tomorrow. The opponent is very strong.”
How is Valverde?
“He trained individually yesterday and felt good. Today, he will train with the team, and after the session, we will decide if he can play or not.”
Without Ceballos and Bellingham, Modric and Brahim?
“I don’t think it will change the way we play. It won’t change much. We must take into account that the players who have been rested may get a chance tomorrow: Asensio, Camavinga… That’s the kind of thing we need to consider and nothing else. We won’t reinforce the midfield or remove an attacker. We need to stick with the same idea.”
How will you approach this match, and what are the differences compared to the City match?
“We have to take into account the difference between the two opponents. Atlético is a more vertical team and can counter-attack more. But I don’t want to change our style, our mentality, or our approach.”
Does Real have enough squad depth for three competitions?
“We have had very serious injuries. Of course, it affects a season, but we have a very good player who helps us a lot, like Raúl Asencio. Sometimes, injuries are an opportunity to see the character of the team, the group, and the new players. The truth is, this is a very physically demanding programme for the players.”
Without Valverde, Asencio, or Lucas Vázquez at right-back?
“Lucas Vázquez.”
What is your first memory of Simeone?
“When I was a player, he scored in a Juventus-Lazio league match. Lazio won and won the league, I believe it was in 2000. As a coach, I have a lot of respect for him. He’s a great coach. He has done very well at Atlético, taking them to the highest level in Europe. I like the way he reads matches, how he leads his team on the pitch, his strategy, the team’s defensive commitment. I really like all of that.”
What’s the difference with other derbies?
“A derby is always the same: a special match in terms of emotions and pressure. These matches are always balanced and contested, and it will be the same tomorrow. Atlético is having a very good season. In the last derby, we were very poor in the first half and very good in the second. We need to think about playing like we did in the second half and not like we did in the first.”
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