Ancelotti: "We have a great chance to take a big step towards the LaLiga title"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared at a press conference to assess the LaLiga matchday 32 meeting between Real Madrid and Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabéu (Sunday, 9:00pm CEST). The Italian coach had the following to say: “If we manage to win it, we'll be within touching distance of LaLiga. We're playing against highly competitive opposition who have played brilliantly in recent games. It will be a hard-fought and evenly-matched Clásico, as they always are. It's a great opportunity to move closer to the LaLiga title but we know how difficult it will be because Barcelona are still very much in it."

“We've recovered well but there are players who will need the extra day, like Mendy. They'll all be in the squad, we haven't had any real problems and we'll try and put the best possible team out tomorrow. Mendy was still a bit tired today so we decided to give him that extra rest."

The strength of the group
“A team's strength always lies in how they work together as a group, guys who put the success of the team before their own personal achievement. The game the other day might throw up the odd doubt, but first and foremost it reflects the commitment of every player here. That's unusual in a team at the very top."

Way to win
“Everyone is entitled to their opinion but we are very clear about the way we have to play. There are two aspects, defence and attack. You have to be comfortable when you have the ball. Sometimes there are games where you won't have it and you have to defend for 90 minutes. I still haven't come across a single upset fan. Quite the opposite, they're delighted because the team put a real shift in. There is this saying in Spain that I love: 'Tell me about the sea, sailor'."

Magical night in Manchester
“It was a big night. I wouldn't say we suffered, but it was difficult. We barely trailed at all throughout the tie against Manchester City. We spent more time in front and in the next round than out of it. That's why we played with such a deep block. I think we were far more up against it in the tie with Chelsea a couple of years ago."

Shootout against Manchester City
“We always like to ask the players how they're feeling because it's a hugely important moment and they have to be ready. I think everyone did their bit, just look at Kepa. We had a lot of reports, Llopis worked really hard to gather as much information as possible about the kick takers and in the end it all paid off."

Motivation to take a penalty
“We only tested Rüdiger out on penalties on the Monday before we left for Manchester. He took three penalties and scored the lot. I'd never seen Rüdiger take a penalty before but these are times when technique is secondary. It's the mental side that is the most important. If a player is motivated and calm enough to take one, then he will do so. That's why it's so important to talk to the players and to be honest with them. Sometimes you struggle to find five takers in a shootout but I had more than five willing to step up the other day. We picked the guys who felt the most steady from an emotional point of view."

Coaching staff
“We have an elite coaching staff, with young fitness guys who bring real enthusiasm. They make me think twice whenever I'm making decisions. They're great with the players too, they're serious professionals. They're always looking to improve and to do new things. When I'm lacking a little in enthusiasm due to my age, it's hugely important to have young guys around the place who can inject that bit extra."
“A healthy, clean environment allows us to show our best. A healthy atmosphere isn't just about the players and the coaching staff, it extends to the medical team, the kit guys. It's no coincidence that this club is so successful."

The squad's determination
“We're doing a fantastic job. The cake is ready, out of the oven and all we have to do now is ice it this month. It's a decisive month and we're heading into it in a great position. We've got Militão back and now Courtois isn't far off either. Alaba is the only one missing at the moment."

Five at the back
“It's a set-up we wouldn't rule out. When there are five or six minutes to go and you need to get a result, you might play with five, six or even seven defenders. We rule nothing out. I'd play two goalkeepers if I could, and that's only because I can't bring the bus out."

Minutes for Militão
“He could start tomorrow. He's trained well and he's just lacking a bit of sharpness. He's ready, he's keen to play and he's certainly an option for tomorrow."

Valverde's strength
“It's tough to say where he could improve. He's consistent and he's always been remarkable. He helps the team so much and that's always a big factor on putting him on the pitch. If I play him as a winger, he delivers, if I put him in the centre of the park, he delivers, if I play him higher up he finds goals and assists. That's why he's irreplaceable for me."

Modrić
“Knowing Luka, I understand he won't accept a secondary role because he never stops working, training and giving it his all. He continues to show the same quality he did ten years ago and playing with the same hunger and desire."

Mendy's impressive form
“Mendy has a contract, he's hugely important for us. He's not worried about his trophy cabinet, all he's interested in is helping the team and he's doing that unbelievably well. He's the best in the world for us. Not only for me, but for his teammates as well. It's not easy to get past him in training."

Nacho's future
“It's his future and he has to decide on it. He's doing great things. He put in a fantastic display against Manchester City, real top level. He has been and continues to be a brilliant centre-back. All we can do is respect his decisions. They're free to decide whatever they like."

Rodrygo's goal-scoring run 
“He had a tough spell this season because it's hard for a forward when they're not scoring. He's always kept working hard and now he's back scoring, so that's important. I think he's in great shape, he looks focused and motivated.”

Casemiro
“Casemiro is a club legend, as is Marcelo and so many others. I'm always emotional when it comes to saying goodbye, that's the same for every madridista."

Barcelona's young players
“The connection between the veterans and the young guys is hugely important because the older lads bring that knowledge and experience, why the youngsters have the enthusiasm. Lamine and Cubarsí have surprised everyone and they're doing a wonderful job. They're very young and they have bright futures ahead of them."