Carlo Ancelotti speaks to the press ahead of Valencia clash. Carlo Ancelotti was in the press room at Ciudad Real Madrid this Friday, ahead of the 30th round La Liga clash against Valencia. With Thibaut Courtois and Andriy Lunin causing concern among many Madrid fans, the 65-year-old manager provided the latest updates.
In the race for the La Liga title, Real Madrid will face Valencia at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday. For this matchday 30 encounter, the squad is not at full strength. In addition to the injuries of Dani Carvajal, Éder Militão, Ferland Mendy, and Dani Ceballos — who has already resumed training with the ball — the situation with the goalkeepers is particularly worrying. Andriy Lunin, who had stepped in for Courtois (still sidelined since the last international break with Belgium), picked up an injury on Tuesday during the Copa del Rey semi-final clash against Real Sociedad.
Ancelotti’s revelations ahead of Valencia
In recent hours, the situation regarding the two goalkeepers has become even more concerning. Ruled out for around three or four weeks, Lunin is not expected to feature against Valencia on Saturday. Speaking in Friday’s press conference, Ancelotti confirmed the Ukrainian keeper’s situation and hinted at the possible starting debut of 19-year-old reserve goalkeeper Fran Gonzalez.
How is the squad doing?
“We’re in good shape, but we still have some doubts after the effort put in during extra time. The team is motivated. We know that Valencia are in great form at the moment. We’re preparing for a tricky, difficult match. We’re motivated and in the fight. We know this is a crucial moment in the season.”
What’s going on with the goalkeepers?
“We’re not worried because Courtois is feeling much better, and we think he could be ready for Tuesday. We do have doubts about Lunin, who will test himself in training today. If he doesn’t feel right, we have full confidence in Fran. The only issue is that he’s young. Sooner or later, his moment will come, and if that’s tomorrow, we’ll be happy for him. He has a bright future as a goalkeeper. We have no concerns.”
Rest for Bellingham?
“It’s an option we’re considering. Bellingham recovers quickly and is in great form. Today’s training will give us more insight into how the players are feeling. But yes, giving him a rest tomorrow is on the table.”
Extending the La Liga run
“We have to stay optimistic because the team is fighting hard right now. We’re still in the running in every competition and very close. We’re confident, based on past experiences. We know we can do it.”
The team’s balance
“We’ve improved in that area collectively. I don’t believe we’re seeing individual lapses in defence. For example, against Real Sociedad, Alaba played well but was unlucky with two touches that led to goals. Match stats show we’re conceding goals despite a low expected goals figure. Based on our defensive effort, we didn’t deserve to concede four.”
“Offensively, we deserved to score four. That’s a key trait of this team this season. We’re more clinical up front because Mbappé is here, and he’s scored 33 goals. He’s made a big difference in that sense, though we’re suffering more at the back. It’s normal. When you choose one thing, you have to accept the trade-off. We want to maintain this attacking efficiency while working harder collectively on our defensive side.”
More chances for Endrick and Güler
“They’ll get them, just as they’ve had in recent matches where they performed very well. They’ve shown they can help the team in crucial moments.”
Copa del Rey final vs Barcelona
“We’re very happy to be playing a major final and to be so close to achieving another objective. The public is the public, and they’re entitled to their opinions. Barcelona are playing really well right now and are in a good run of form. In a final, you have to respect every opponent. We have great respect for Barcelona, just as they respect Real Madrid.”
If you win the treble, could you say ‘I’m leaving’?
“I’m not going to ask to leave this club.”
Certain situations allowed in Barcelona but not elsewhere?
“That’s not a question for me. You should ask others because I’m not going to talk about that subject.”
Does the Dani Olmo situation distort the competition?
“No, I don’t think so.”
The clubs’ responses to the Dani Olmo case
“There’s freedom of opinion, and also the freedom to speak or not to speak.”
How do you feel after your court appearance?
“It was a new experience, nothing more. Now we just have to wait for the judge’s decision.”
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