Ancelotti: “It's the first trophy of a demanding season and we want to start strongly"
“We have to maintain the commitment and collective approach that were so key last year," stressed the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in a press conference alongside Carvajal and Valverde at Warsaw's National Stadium, the setting for Real Madrid's clash with Atalanta with the first trophy of the season up for grabs. The coach explained: “We're hungry and can't wait to get started. It's the first trophy of a demanding season and we want to start strongly while being aware of the challenges. The team looks good, despite not having had many days' training, and we're motivated for the match."
“Atalanta deserve to be here because they won the Europa League thanks to a fine job done by the team and coach. Gasperini has vast experience, he's a friend of mine. We worked together at Juventus and we did our coaching course together. I have a fantastic relationship with him. It will be a difficult game tomorrow. Despite Atalanta's injuries, it's sure to be a tough clash."
How Mbappé is settling in
“Mbappé is in good shape, as are all the lads. We haven't had much time to train but we are looking good, Kylian included. He's arrived in great form and he's settling in well. Everyone here is in with a chance of playing tomorrow."
“He's adapting really well, he's focused in training, motivated, and he's working hard. He's showing his incredible quality too."
Clear project
“We are very clear about what we want to do and the project we are working on. This year we have a squad full of immense quality. We think we can do something great and the players will have to adapt, and we'll work towards that. We have lost some key players, but others have come in. Now we have to maintain the commitment and collective approach that were so key last season."
Vini Jr.
“There's absolutely nothing in it. It's all just speculation and the window closes on the 31st of August. He wants to be here, these things don't bother him, he's focused and wants to do his best for the team. He's a wonderful player, he wants to help the team to be at the very top, just as he has done in recent years."
Atmosphere in the squad
“We've had a very healthy, happy atmosphere in the dressing room these last few years. That's down to players like Carvajal, Modrić, Valverde, Lucas Vázquez, as well as Nacho and Kroos. We haven't got any princes or kings here. It's just a group of players with different qualities, who have shown they are able to bring together their attributes to the service of the team. That's what we'll be looking to achieve this season too."
Lunin's importance in the dressing room
“Andrey is one of our goalkeepers. We have a wonderful squad and he's one of the best goalkeepers. We have the best defenders, the best midfielders and the best forwards. Lunin is part of this squad and he's an important member of it. He also played a key role for us last season."
Demands
“It's a big responsibility. There are people who believe we are the best team and have the best squad. I think we have the best players and from there, we want to build the best team. We have to work hard to do that every day and do the right things."
Lots of games this season
“What matters is how the players feel. They're the ones who play 90 minutes and who do all the travelling."
Penalties
“Vini and Bellingham are both very good from the penalty spot, Valverde did a good job too in the Copa América. We have lots of takers and I have to choose one for tomorrow. I will have to choose someone who starts the game."
Managing the squad
“I have a big issue because I've been thinking about who will start and who'll miss out. It's ruined my holidays. Good players will play and they will contribute. It's not too big of a problem because there are so many games. I can't think about putting the same XI out every time. The lads who have played a bit less have contributed so much to this team. The guys who started on the bench may well be the key once again."
Press conferences
“I have no problem sitting here and talking about football. That's what I love. It's a part of my job and yours. It's a positive, and often fun part of my work."
Tactical changes without Kroos
“Toni was a fantastic player but he decided to go and we respect his decision. It's going to be seriously tough to replace him but we can do it with Camavinga and Valverde. It will be different from a tactical perspective because our style has to adapt to the attributes of the players we have. If we've got a player who's different to Kroos, we'll play a different kind of football.”
Warsaw
"The last game at this stadium was hard-fought and exciting. We want to show our quality for the Polish fans who get behind Real Madrid."