Ancelotti: “We're the league leaders and we want to maintain that position”
"It's a demanding calendar, we're getting into a good rhythm so we're excited about it," added the Real Madrid boss.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City and discussed the LaLiga matchday 21 clash against Valladolid, which will be played at the José Zorrilla stadium (Saturday, 9 pm CET). The coach had the following to say: “Our objective is clear: we've been leaders since the last game and we have to maintain that position. It's an important moment in the league and we have to take advantage of being leaders and win tomorrow.”
“I treat the match with the importance it deserves and it's very important because we want to stay at the top of the table. I'm going to field the best possible team. It's a demanding calendar and we're gradually getting into a good rhythm so we're excited about it.”
On Vini Jr. and his absence through suspension
“As far as I know, as I have direct information from the player, he's very happy here and wants to make history at Real Madrid. All of us who work here are on the same page, we're happy and we want to make history. It's going to be good for him not to play these next few games. He has some days to recover, but also some days to work and train. We'll take advantage of this in March or April, because he'll arrive fresh for the big moment of the season. They've forgotten that with Vinicius we won the Champions League in Paris and London. He's indisputable, without a doubt.”
How is he feeling?
“There are some moments in the season that are a bit more challenging and others that are less so. I'm fine, I feel the team is improving and starting to get into the rhythm needed to compete in all competitions. I'm very confident that we can do well.”
The change of coach for Belgium
“It's something Courtois has to talk about. We have no issue if he wants to go back, but it's something the new coach will have to discuss with the player.”
Valverde’s versatility
“He's a complete and very important player. He can cover many positions and he does that excellently in all of them: as a pivot, as an inside player or as a right-back. It's very difficult to find a right-back like him. For me, it's difficult to choose what his best position is, I try to choose what's best for the team in each game. It's a choice I have to make, he never asks me for anything and that's his strength too. He's the most complete player in football at the moment. He could also play as a centre-back without any problem.”
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Rumours on Vini Jr.’s departure
“You'll have to ask him. I don't know if that offer will come or not. I have to say that I see a player who is happy here, who's making history and who wants to continue doing that.”
Praise for Ceballos
“He's contributed a lot in this period, he's back to his best after the injuries he's had. Sometimes I didn't give him the minutes he needed to get back to fitness, but now he's doing very well. The team's more confident in controlling the ball and in possession with him. He can play in the important games, so why not?”
Does it bother you when asked about Vini Jr.?
“These days, I've been reflecting on the fact that I have been angry too many times at press conferences. I have to be calm and controlled. It doesn't bother me when you ask me about Vinicius.”
On Tchouameni
“He's fine, he's back now after the slight problem he had. We have Camavinga, who is not available, but he will be very soon. The rest of the team has recovered well and we're prepared to perform well.”
The importance of defending well
“The players have assimilated it, we've talked about it many times. In the few training sessions we do, we give more importance to the defensive aspect than the offensive. The team has gradually understood this and is improving. They're aware that it is the key to success.”
Rodrygo’s form
“The thing that stands out at the moment is his consistency, which he hasn't had in the past. In this period he's scored a lot of goals, he's given a lot of assists and he's been very steady in the game. For a forward, it's quite normal to have ups and downs, but when you're able to get those numbers with continuity, he stands out more.”
Academy players
“I still think the same, the idea is still to win the games. If home-grown players are playing and we win the games, that's great. They deserve to play. They've taken advantage of the troubles and injuries we've had, especially at the back. Asencio has done well; Jacobo, who has returned from a very long injury, has a very promising chance to play; and Loren too, as a right-back."