Ancelotti: "We're playing in the semi-finals of the cup and it will be a competitive, even and entertaining match"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City after the last training session prior to the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. The coach analysed the match against Real Sociedad: "It's always difficult playing against them. They're also on good form. It's a Copa del Rey semi-final and it's important for both of us. It's going to be a very competitive, even and entertaining game because Real play good football. We're looking to keep up our good run of form."
Real play good football. We're looking to keep up our good run of form.’

"Considering the absurd schedule we're experiencing and all the teams are going through, we're doing very well. All the teams that are fighting and struggling at the moment are doing very well. It's a schedule that can't be sustained. We have played 17 games in 52 days and in my time we played 30 league games in a season. We would be in the second half of the season in my day. Incredible. I'm getting tired and I think you're getting tired too from what I hear and read. We all need some rest."

Mbappé's absence from training
"Mbappé is travelling tomorrow. He had a problem with a tooth and couldn't train. He's travelling tomorrow and can play. Everyone who travels has a chance of playing the game, like Endrick."

The squad
"The atmosphere's good. Mbappé arrived with a lot of humility and a very low profile. That improved the atmosphere in the sense that we are more confident because he is one of the best players in the world and he has improved the squad. In terms of egos, nothing has changed. We have lost important personalities like Nacho, Kroos and Carvajal. They have to be replaced by younger players. They are the ones who create the atmosphere in the dressing room and little by little young players like Camavinga, Tchouameni, Valverde, Rodrygo and Vini Jr. have to take on a more prominent role in this sense."

Tebas and his statements about Real Madrid
"He talks too much about Real Madrid. Since I've been here, he's disrespected millions of Madrid fans by talking like that. There are more important issues in Spanish football and he should focus more on solving the problems of Spanish football as president of LaLiga."

"I'm not sure if he feels shame, but all Madrid fans are proud to be supporters of this club. I can't remember anything like it in my life. It's conflict. When I was at Milan, the president of the league was Galliani and I couldn't go near him. He's the best director in the world. He was right and he's always right."

Do you think that if the Negreira case had happened at Real Madrid it would be the same?
"I can't say that if it happened to Real Madrid it would be the same. There is a legal process and everyone is waiting for the resolution. All of us in football have been patient for two years and we have to continue to be so because in the end, a legal resolution will come out."

Güler
"All the players can come and talk to me. I speak to him, Endrick and all of the young players on a daily basis. I've read that there is an issue with Güler, but it hasn't got here yet. He's working hard and wants to play, like everyone else, but it's a process for him and for all the young players like we did with Rodrygo, Valverde and Vini Jr. He needs time to join the best squad in the world because the players are very good and the competition is fierce. Everyone understands that and if they don't, they should."

"I spend every day with the young players and I don't want to see players who are happy when they're not playing. I want players who work hard, who learn and who want to play. I think that's normal, but this is a small part of their time. They spend much more time with other people and I don't know if these other people have the same idea and are thinking the same way that I do about them: that they improve and that they can soon play for Real Madrid. This is a lack of communication."

Criticism
"There is criticism, but it's a question of experience. Everyone likes youth and we veterans are like grandparents, you get tired of seeing them every day. That's a bit like me, they're tired of seeing my face every day. I understand, but you have to bear in mind that the veteran, even though I consider myself a child because I have their enthusiasm and only age condemns me, brings experience and knowledge that young people cannot have. Experience cannot be bought or studied. Only time gives you the experience to do your job well. After 40 years of football, I have learned something."

Valverde
"He could go back to full-back because it's pretty good there. I have to evaluate Lucas' form, which is already good and he played the whole of the last game. Also Alaba. I have to think about the line-up, although I've already thought about it and I'm not going to reveal it."

Modrić's renewal
"I'm not getting into this issue, as I didn't last year. The club will talk to the players as we did last year with him, Kroos and Nacho. The legends have the right to do what they want. That's the club's idea. They will talk and make the best decision for everyone."

Alaba
"He played 70 minutes and his knee is perfect, with no recovery problems. He played very well and was comfortable. He's fully recovered, but we have to bear in mind that he came back after 14 months, so there is a risk of future muscle problems."

What technical weaknesses did you say Asencio had?
"If I said he had technical weaknesses, I was wrong. He has a lot to learn and adapt to. We're working with him, as we do with the young players in the academy. We give him advice and he has a lot to learn. We have been focusing on the tactical side with him. He's a very aggressive player and he's not very good in the penalty area because he can give penalties away. We have been working on this and he's doing very well. We have no doubts about him, he has been a surprise for everyone and for me too."

Endrick
"Because of his characteristics, he's not going to be Rodrygo or Vini Jr., but I have no doubt that he's going to be a great striker. So far, so good Endrick. Let's see what happens."