Ancelotti: “These games will help us prepare for the Champions League final”
“We're playing in LaLiga and we must respect the opponent and the competition," underlined the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the media room at Real Madrid City on the eve of Real Madrid's LaLiga matchday 35 meeting with Granada at the Estadio Nuevo Los Cármenes (Saturday, 6:30pm CEST): “We have a lot to do. Tomorrow we're playing in LaLiga and we must show respect for the opponent, the competition and ourselves. These games will be good for us in preparation for the final and we'll rotate to make sure everyone heads into that game at 100%. We have to rest up as well because it's been a hugely demanding season and I'll give the boys a few days off after the games. We'll celebrate after the match."
Rotation between the sticks
“Courtois will play, as will Militão. They both need the game time. I'll have to consider players who have played a bit less but who have contributed so much. Kepa is a fine example, he's been brilliant from the bench, helping his teammates. Lunin has to be ready to play as well. That's why I'll have to assess the goalkeeping issue in the coming games."
Rotations in the team
“We're not sure if Tchouameni will make it for the final but we'll do all we can to see if he can recover. Militão will play in these games because he needs the minutes. The rest will rotate, including Rüdiger and Nacho."
Vini Jr. and the Ballon d'Or
“He's doing a great job. He's still got the Champions League final to come and then he'll be at the Copa América. He's very close and if he has positive results in both competitions, he could well win it. Before I came to coach Real Madrid, I saw Vinicius on TV and I thought what an incredibly talented player he looked. When I arrived here, that much was clear, and he's improved on many things to enhance that talent. He's better at evading his markers now and has improved in front of goal as well. He's done so with a spectacular work ethic on a daily basis, he's focused in training and recovers well after matches. He's a highly disciplined professional and he deserves everything he's achieved."
Vini Jr.'s impressive form
“He's among the best in the world and this is Vinicius' moment because he brings us so much. He's been important in us making the Champions League final and winning LaLiga. But we mustn't forget how the others have contributed. Real Madrid's time is up until the 1st of June. After that, who knows, it might be Borussia's moment.”
Brazilian national side
“Brazil are very fortunate to have these players. Not just Rodrygo and Vini. They have a lot of variety up top with some spectacular young talents. Brazil's problem isn't their attack, they have other issues."
The defenders' contributions going forward
“Our defenders have scored a lot of goals this season. We've been strong from set pieces and other situations as well. They have scored from open play too, Nacho's movement is very impressive and he's strong going forward. Lucas and Rüdiger have both scored this season too. We were only missing Militão's goals because he's been out."
European Super Cup
“I haven't thought about the European Super Cup. I'm only focused on one match."
Bellingham
“Bellingham is fine. He had a stomach issue but he's recovered well and he'll get some rest like the others. He doesn't need to play less, or more. We have four games to go and he'll be in the rotations like the rest of the squad."
Who will play in goal in the Champions League final?
“I have the utmost respect for the opinion of a club legend like Iker Casillas, I'm very fond of him, just like all of madridismo is, but I don't want to get into that debate because I have a month to make my decision."
His future
“Ahead of the game against Bayern I thought about discussing my future if we got knocked out. But we made it to the final so I will not talk about the future until after that game."