Ancelotti: “We'll have to be at our best because the tie is not over”
"It's a big opportunity to progress in a competition that's very special for us", said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the build-up to the Real Madrid-Leipzig Champions League round of 16 second leg (Wednesday, 9pm CET): "It's a big opportunity to progress in a competition that's very special for us. We'll have to be at our best. The tie is not over, even if we do have a small advantage. We have to be at our best from the first minute to the last".
"The first leg was difficult against Leipzig, even though we created a lot of chances. We have to improve on that and be more dangerous because it's going to be a different game tomorrow. They will look to play more in transition than us. Dealing with that defensively is going to be very important".
Important things against Leipzig
"We've looked at the first leg, the things we did well and the things we can improve on. Defensively we struggled and that's where we need to improve. Leipzig are a dangerous team in transitions. They have very fast forwards. Rüdiger is back and will help us in this respect. We have to put in a complete performance because that will give us the chance to win this tie".
Do you have any thoughts on the referee?
"You can never be calm in a game where there's a lot at stake in this season. We have to chase the dream of staying in this competition, which has given us a lot of success in the past. I don't think about the referee before the game and I wouldn't like to be thinking about him after the game either."
Starting line-up
"I'm not going to give away any clues, but I have doubts. The Tchouameni-Rüdiger pairing came about because Nacho hadn't trained and had a slight niggle. Nacho is now available and has the same chance to start".
Bellingham and the red card
"I've not spoken to Bellingham about this matter. He's someone who tries to give everything on the pitch and he's doing very well. The red card the other day was a mistake. He was a bit frustrated, but he didn't insult anyone".
Rodrygo's form
"Rodrygo's in good form for what he brings to the team in the game, his hard work and commitment. It's true that he's a bit less clinical when it comes to finishing, but that's behind him now. If it didn't worry us before, it won't worry us now. The important thing is that he contributes to the team with his hard work".
Watch all the videos from this match at RM Play
Assessment of the season
"I would say that we've done very well this season, to talk about it today. We want to carry on like this. We've still got two or three months to go. When we finish we will make an evaluation of the season, but I can't criticise my team for anything so far".
Squad
"The main thing is that've got some very good players who have a lot of quality. I've also got players who want to learn, improve and be part of this club. This is important. My players accept what I put on the table. They give everything to do well and help the team".
Diakhaby injury
"We've all been close to Mouctar. We've spoken to him and we're sorry for what happened, but he'll be back. Injuries are quite common in football. We have been in touch with him and we have looks confident and hungry. He'll come back good and we wish him the best".
Actual time in football
"Actual time is going to be one of the rules that will be applied soon, not only because of what happened on Saturday. The injury time and stoppage time is not clear and it's complicated. Actual time could be a solution".
Referees
"I don't know what is the best or the worst. It's very difficult to say what is best. Other people are better placed to say what is best for referees".
Job satisfaction
"I like my job, especially at Real Madrid because it's the best place to work. Between suffering and happiness, suffering is important because you have to manage certain situations. All this has an impact on happiness. There can be people around you who aren't happy, like a player who doesn't play. You can share the happiness, but the suffering is only yours. I'm very happy because I'm at the best club in the world doing this job, but I have more suffering than happiness".
Realmadrid TV
"I've already answered this. I'm surprised because you don't take freedom of expression into account. Realmadrid TV is a media outlet that expresses an opinion as you do".