Ancelotti: "The Bernabéu will help us in the derby"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid Sport City to analyse LaLiga matchday 23 derby against Atlético: "It's another important game. We've played each other three times in a short space of time and they've been very competitive and evenly matched games as well as very entertaining. I think it will be the same tomorrow."

"Given the value of the opponent and the importance of the match, it's good for us to be back at the Bernabéu. It has always helped us and it will do so tomorrow. They are intense matches with a lot of pressure. Atlético and Barcelona are opponents with individual quality and good organisation. The level is very high."

Rüdiger's injury
"He's improved a lot in the last few days. I expect the same improvement between today and tomorrow. It's a muscle strain. He will be in the squad and I will decide tomorrow if he plays or not."

Alternatives
"Camavinga can also play as a centre-back. He brings the ball out very quickly, he is quick and strong in tackles. I also have the options of Mendy and Carvajal. All three options give me confidence and I think they can do very well tomorrow. The centre-back job is the easiest in football because you have to use your head more than your energy."

Set-pieces without Rüdiger and Tchouameni
"The height of the team without them drops and we have to make the right decision regarding set-pieces."

Is it a decisive week for LaLiga?
"Not decisive, but important. It's very important to pick up points at this moment, before the Champions League. These are very important games and we're going into them in the best possible way. We have to take advantage of these two games at home to get points."

Simeone
"He is one of the most difficult coaches because he manages the team very well and organises the games very well. He's one of the opponents I have a lot of respect for because of his ability to read games."

Kroos
"He has important characteristics for our game. He handles the ball very well and is very important. Modrić had a spectacular game in ball handling against Getafe. That is a testament to the strength of this squad, especially in the midfield. We have a lot of different capabilities."

Modrić
"It's very difficult to leave professionals on the bench who train well and work well, and more so players who have and are marking an era. We have to thank him for everything he has done here.  On a professional level, I take the decision and that's it. On a personal level, it's the most difficult thing and it affects you a lot."

Goalkeeping
"The fact that they haven't played three games in a row is something I take into account. This increases the competition and uncertainty for both of them. They are both motivated and doing well. We'll have to make another choice tomorrow. The goalkeepers still don't know who will play tomorrow, but what I decide won't affect the upcoming matches. They have to be motivated because there are important games coming up, Champions League games, and it's good for them to rotate."

The decision not to sign in the winter transfer window
"We thought, after Alaba's injury, that Tchouameni could do well as an an emergency measure in the centre-back position. Tomorrow is an absolute emergency, but only for one game. Besides, Militao will be back before the end of the season. He's starting to look very good."

Xavi and his statements about LaLiga being adulterated
"I'm a professional and as a professional I don't want to drop this level out of respect for Spanish football. Don't ask any more questions about this because I don't want to go down to a level that is not for professionals."

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