Carlo Ancelotti, the man with the calm smile and unrivalled footballing wisdom, appeared before the media on the eve of a crucial match for Real Madrid. Tomorrow, the Merengues take on Brest in a last-ditch effort to qualify directly for the last 16 of the Champions League. In an atmosphere that was both serene and determined, Ancelotti shared his thoughts on his team’s state of mind, the challenges ahead and the hopes that are driving the club. Here are the highlights of Ancelotti’s press conference.
How would you assess Kylian Mbappé’s adaptation since his arrival at Real Madrid?
Carlo Ancelotti: Mbappé is adapting very well. It’s true that he needed a little time to find his feet, but today he’s fully integrated. He’s motivated, he loves playing with his team-mates and you can see that on the pitch. His contribution is immense, and we all benefit from it, both the team and the fans. All Madridistas appreciate what he brings.
What kind of game are you expecting against Brest?
Brest are a difficult team to play against. They play by exploiting the qualities of their players. Their striker is tall, powerful and very good in the air. They often try to play him over the top, but they don’t stop there. They also have fast wingers who can do a lot of damage on the counter-attack. It’s no coincidence that they have 13 points. They’ve shown that they’re better than a lot of teams. We have great respect for them and we’re expecting a complicated game.
Jorge Valdano recently said that ‘Madrid pays in glory’. Would you understand if Vinicius was reluctant to stay at Real Madrid and move to Saudi Arabia?
I can understand everything. In football, every player has his reasons and his choices. I understood why Kroos considered retiring, and I also understand those who decide to leave for other challenges. But I’m not worried about Vinicius. I see him happy here. He wants to continue winning titles with Real Madrid. I’m convinced that he’ll choose glory and that he’ll remain loyal to this club.
You seem to be calmer these days. Where does this calm come from?
My calm comes from the team and its progress. We may not yet be at our best, but we’re getting there. Collectively, we’ve made great strides forward, and our individual players are making the difference. Mbappé is exceptional, but we mustn’t forget Rodrygo, Bellingham and of course Vinicius. These players offer us solutions and dynamism. This combination of collective and individual talent gives me confidence.
Will you be keeping an eye on the evening’s other results, or just concentrating on your match?
We’re concentrating solely on our match. Winning is our absolute priority. Then we’ll see how things develop. But our main objective is simple: to get a win to guarantee our qualification.
You’ve often said that you’d never set a deadline for your adventure at Real Madrid. If you win La Liga or the Champions League this season, are you sure you will continue?
I think so, there’s no doubt about it. The club and I are determined to continue working together. Of course, in football anything can happen, unforeseen situations can arise. But for the moment, we’re confident. We’re not thinking too much about the distant future. Our priority is to do well this season. Despite the many injuries that have affected us, we’re making good progress and we believe in our chances.
How do you see the game against Brest?
It’s going to be a tough game, as it always is in the Champions League. Brest have shown that they deserve their place. They have a one-point lead over us, which also gives them great motivation. They’re a well-organised team and they play with intensity. The stakes will be high for both teams. We want to end this group phase in the best possible way, and that means putting in a solid performance tomorrow.
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