Ancelotti: “It's a key game for the league and the season”
"To come from behind means that we have quality in the squad and the players who come on always play their part," said the Real Madrid coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke at a press conference to discuss the rescheduled match between Getafe and Real Madrid, which will be played at the Coliseum stadium (Thursday, 9pm CET). The Italian said: "It's a key game, very difficult and it's going to be very demanding for us. The team is doing well and hopefully we can put in a good performance, taking into account the difficulties. Getafe are solid, they play good football and are strong in their duels. It will be a tough game and vital for the league and the season".
"We have to get the first goal in every match. We've played games where we've taken the lead and in others we've had to come from behind. If we come back it's because we've got the quality in the squad and everyone who comes on plays their part".
Getafe
"They're well organised, they play good football, with quality players like Mayoral, who has scored 14 goals. They're a very direct team, they compete in duels, they're strong and aggressive, and they're very organised at the back. I like this team a lot and I have to congratulate my friend Bordalás because he's doing a fantastic job".
Bordalás
"He came here when he wasn't coaching, we've spent time together, we have the same idea about football and we've talked about it. I have a lot of friends who are coaches and I'm very fond of him".
Five substitutions
"The rule has changed. It used to be three substitutions and now it's five. It's important when it comes to managing matches. I think you have the chance to change the dynamic during the game because five changes are a lot. It's there for every team. Five changes change the identity of a team a lot during a match".
Modrić
"Luka is a footballing and Real Madrid legend. It's up to him to make the decisions for next season. I said what I thought in the last game. Modrić didn't warm up for the game because a young player such as Arda can warm up, not play and nothing happens. But with Luka I can't do that. He has won five Champions League titles and he's a legend of the club. When I'm sure he's going to play during the game, he warms up. The player knows this".
Who is going to be the starting goalkeeper?
"I can't tell you today.
Vini Jr.
"He looks the same in training. He's at his best footballing level and he's physically good. He's scoring a lot of goals, he's very dangerous and always contributes in attack. He tries even when he doesn't have to try, but that's his strength. Trying to wear the opposition down".
Pressure from the bench
"I felt the most pressure when I started, in the second division in Italy. I found it hard to handle the stress. At that time, in 1996, I told my assistant that I wasn't going to last until 2000. It's now 2024 and you get used to the pressure, which is the fuel to do the job better."
Arda Güler
"Arda is coming along very well every day. He's getting used to our intensity after several months of injuries. He's doing well physically now. He'll get minutes, but we have to be patient with him. I understand that he's under a lot of pressure and I understand that a whole country, Turkey, wants to see Arda play for Real Madrid. He's 18 years old and he'll get time to play here".
Xavi
"I don't want comparisons to be made. I've got a lot of respect for what Xavi has said, just as I respect my colleagues. There is pressure on our job. We have to respect everyone with words, decisions and thoughts. That goes I say that for Xavi and for the rest of my fellow coaches".
Do you understand his decision?
"I understand it. I don't want to make comparisons. I respect his thoughts and his decisions".