Ancelotti: "It was a night for them to enjoy Real Madrid here"
"In the second half, it was easier because Arandina’s intensity dropped," said the madridista coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room after the Arandina-Real Madrid clash, in the last 32 of the Copa del Rey. The madridista coach had the following to say: “We didn't have too much difficulty in winning the game and that's our job. It was a night for them to enjoy Real Madrid here. They welcomed us warmly and it was a good atmosphere. Arandina have been amazing with us. We celebrated the Three Kings in a different way, but the players were pleased.”
“Arandina played as best they could. It was difficult for us in the first half because they were organised. In the second half, it was easier because their intensity dropped. They set up the way I would have if I'd been their coach.”
Debut for Arda Güler
“Arda Güler performed well for an hour. It was important for him to get used to playing with the team. He will gradually build up his fitness level and intensity. We have to be patient with him, but he showed his quality in the first half. It's important that he's back. He has personality and character, and that's good. He has good quality with his left foot, but character is an important aspect to do well at Real Madrid.”
Brahim’s starring role
“He missed a lot of passes, but he was instrumental in the penalty, the second goal and the assist for the third. We started the game well, but then we misplaced passes and lost a bit of control. Then in the second half we corrected it."
Return of Camavinga
“He had a knock on his back in the first half. It was bothering him a little bit, but his knee is fine. He's back, he's fine and he'll be available for the next games.”
Sick list getting shorter
“Tchouameni is a pivot, but in this emergency case he will be a centre-back. However, Nacho is coming back now. Mendy also returns tomorrow and will be available for the Super Cup. My job is to choose the best 11 to win every match."
Spanish Super Cup
“I don't know if we're favourites. It's a short competition, it motivates us and we're close to winning it. It's also short for Atlético, Barcelona and Osasuna. We're confident because the sick list is clear except for Lucas Vázquez.”
In goal
“The goalkeeper who plays in the Super Cup is not the first-choice goalkeeper. They're both doing very well and we'll take it one game at a time.”
Youth academy
“The youth players have done well. Tobias played two days ago with Castilla, as did Carrillo. Mario Martín also did well when he came on, Nico Paz was as good as usual.”
On Courtois’ and Militão’s recoveries
“Courtois trained lightly on the pitch this morning. The recovery is going well, just like Militão's recovery. We don't have to be in a hurry with him."