In Monday’s pre-match press conference ahead of the clash against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium, Carlo Ancelotti made some major revelations about his team.
It will be another massive game for Real Madrid. After facing teams like Liverpool, Dortmund, Manchester City, and Atlético Madrid this season in the Champions League, the Madrid side will now aim to knock out Arsenal. A complete team, strong both defensively and offensively, the Gunners will do everything to win at home against Los Blancos. For Carlo Ancelotti’s men, the objective is to get a good result ahead of the second leg next week at the Santiago Bernabéu.
Facing the press, the Madrid coach addressed all the key questions about his team and himself. Here is the full exchange between Ancelotti and the journalists present at the Emirates Stadium in London.
What are the key ingredients needed for tomorrow?
“We need personality to do our best. It’s an important aspect to properly execute the match we’ve prepared.”
What is your reaction to the jeers directed at Vinicius?
“I haven’t spoken with him because it’s not necessary. I know he could have played better, but every time he’s not at his best, he performs better in the next match.”
Who is set to take penalties?
“We’ve thought about it and we’ll try to manage it well tomorrow.”
What approach does this match demand?
“The only thing I ask is to prepare well for the match. And we’ve done that. There’s a very complete opponent, who can defend deep, manage transitions… We must have a clear plan and execute it well.”
What role for Valverde: midfielder or full-back?
“That’s still uncertain. He does both roles very well. We’ll see where he can be most useful to the team.”
Why was Raul Asencio on the bench against Valencia?
“It’s because we wanted to rest him. He was tired.”
Do you believe Real Madrid will win one of the remaining titles?
“Yes, otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I’d be planning my holidays. We’re here to fight for titles until the end. And to win… you have to try. It might not work out, and if that’s the case, we’ll think about next season.”
Do you think some people are tired of seeing you on the Real bench?
“Maybe, I don’t know (laughs). But what matters is that the most important person at this club isn’t tired of me.”
Do the critics affect you?
“We don’t have time to think about criticism with a match every three days. After Valencia, we analysed the match and prepared for this one. We have 90 very important minutes to play. They’re not decisive because there will be another 90 at the Bernabéu.”
Is experience a key factor in matches like this?
“Experience is very important in this competition. Knowing what to expect means you’re not afraid of playing these matches under pressure. It’s important to have experience and players who have played in these types of games many times. It helps the younger ones.”
How are you preparing for Arsenal’s threat from set pieces?
“Arsenal are very dangerous on set pieces. We’ll try to defend as best as we can. We also need to take advantage of our own chances. It’s a very important aspect of the game.”
How do you view Martin Ødegaard’s development?
“His talent is the same as when he was 16. Then he had the character and courage to leave, and now he’s playing for one of the best teams in Europe. At Real, there wasn’t space for him to showcase his talent with players like Benzema, Ronaldo…”
Are you concerned about the risk of suspension for Camavinga and Rüdiger?
“It doesn’t change anything. If they can’t play, others will replace them. Like Tchouaméni, who can’t play tomorrow.”
What do you think of Mikel Arteta’s work?
“He’s taken this team to the top. Most of all, he’s built a complete team, and there aren’t many truly complete teams in Europe like Arsenal.”
Would you have liked to rotate more this season?
“It’s difficult to ask to always be at 100%. If you are mentally, you can’t be physically. This year, rotations were more necessary than usual, and we couldn’t do it because of injuries. I gave Asencio a rest the other day because he was exhausted. But physically, the team is doing well.”
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