Ancelotti: "We'll make the most of these games to get into a good rhythm"
"The aim is for the whole squad to be at full strength for the Champions League final", said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City regarding the LaLiga champions' matchday 36 fixture against Alavés:"We have to take advantage of these games in order to build some momentum. Those who were rested against Granada will play tomorrow. We'll use it to get into a rhythm and good motivation".
"The aim is for the whole squad to be at full strength. Players like Courtois and Militão who have recently returned need minutes and we'll use these games to give them minutes. We'll make the necessary decisions the week before the final".
Bellingham and the Pichichi
"We're not thinking about this. He's already reached his goal with an outstanding season, helping the team and surprising everyone. Being Pichichi is less important to us. He's had a fantastic season, that nobody expected in his first year".
Goalkeeping
"We'll evaluate it. Lunin could play one of these games and we also want to give Kepa the opportunity to play a little bit. It won't be so easy because there are not so many games. Lunin has had a fantastic season and Courtois is the best in the world when he's at his best".
Nacho's renewal
"The decision is in his hands. He can do what he wants".
Which player has surprised you the most?
"The ones I knew the least. Fran García, who has done very well, especially at the beginning. Joselu and Brahim. We also have players who could have contributed more if I had been able to give them more minutes. Ceballos, for example, hasn't had the minutes he deserved for various reasons. Arda is another player who could have played more if he hadn't had the injuries he's had. The squad has surprised me on a general level, they have performed fantastically".
Players who can be coaches
"These players have the quality to be coaches because of their knowledge and the experience they have. One can be a coach, but must have the desire to be a coach. Given the difficulties a coach faces at this particular time in football, there are a lot of players who don't want to do it. There's too much pressure and responsibility. Carvajal, Nacho, Ceballos, Kroos, Modrić... They could all coach if they had the desire".
Loan players
"It's an important experience before stepping up to Real Madrid's level. Rafa Marín is doing very well. Just like Antonio Blanco and Miguel Gutiérrez at Girona".
Militão
"He needs to play more minutes. He's progressing very well, he's getting better every game. Hopefully he can be at his best for the final".
Tchouameni
"He doesn't have much of a chance, but he's not ruled out for the final. It's an important week for him. His foot doesn't hurt too much, it's different from the last problem he had".
How're you feeling?
"I'm feeling very well. Better than ever. The honeymoon continues. I'm happy and excited about what can happen. These press conferences are pressure-free, you're all too friendly. That's the only problem, I know that sooner or later things will change".
Rest after Alavés game
"After the game against Alavés I'm going to give them three days rest. We'll then have two weeks to prepare well for the final, but the team needs to rest after such a demanding season".
His worst moment of the season
"When we lost a game. We were able to recognise that we had to change something and it helped us to change some defensive aspects that helped us a lot. It was a very short time. It's been a fairly straightforward season thanks to the players".