Ancelotti: "These are big moments in the season and we'll have to be at our best"

Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City and analysed the game against Rayo Vallecano, on matchday 25 of LaLiga: "Vallecas is always a tough place to play at. It has been in the past and it'll be a tough game, against a team that needs points and who have changed their manager this week. They have extra motivation and we'll have to be at our best because these are big moments in the season and we have to make the most of them. We've watched videos and tried to prepare for the game in the best possible way because we know it's a vital game for our season."

Tchouameni’s role at centre-back
“When the centre-backs are back, Rüdiger will be soon, Militão is a bit further away and Alaba even more, Tchouameni won’t be used as a centre-back. He'll be a pivot, which is what we signed him for. Of course, he's showing that he can contribute as a central defender and he's getting used to a new role. This shows how intelligent he is.”

Modrić
“I've spoken to him about it once and I think that's enough. A player who is used to playing every game finds it tougher than others to sit on the bench. I understand and respect him. His behaviour is that of a very serious professional who continues to train and fight to be able to play. He's available to play in any game, even tomorrow's. He's a player who can play in any game. He continues to contribute in the dressing room just as he did before when he played all the games. He's a highly respected player and an example of how a professional should be. He continues to be a figurehead for the squad.”

On Rodrygo
“I value the defensive work of the forwards very highly, because usually the players who have the most quality are the ones who run the least. This isn't the case with Rodrygo. In the last two games the work of the forwards has been very crucial to keeping a clean sheet.”

Rumours on Mbappé
“Do I seem affected or worried today? No. It'll be the same at the next press conferences.”

Team talks before matches
“The idea arose at the beginning of the season. We suggest talking to each player before a match, although they're not obliged to do so. To the captains and to everyone. Each match we choose one of them to give a talk before going out to play. It's a tradition we've introduced this season. I think it's good to have a few minutes where a player can encourage his teammates.”

Arda Güler
“He's fine. He can play from the start because his fitness level is good enough to contribute. Now he has to fight with the competition he has. We have to be patient with him.”

Contract renewals
“What the club has done in recent years with legends like Modrić, Kroos, Nacho and all these players, is give them a year's contract. This is the club's idea. With Modrić I spoke a month ago about this issue and everything is quite clear for the two of us.”

Balance in line-ups
“The best ones have to play. The important thing is that a balance is maintained. The most important thing is quality and balance. If you can combine them, you can be successful.”

Mbappé
“I see and hear what has happened. I understand that it's the subject of the day for you, but for us it's tomorrow's game. We have to finish this season well. We've discussed the game, we've watched a video and we've tried to prepare for the game as well as possible. It's a vital game for our season. I'd like to finish this season well and try to win trophies. There's plenty of time to think about next season.”

Watch all the videos from this match on RM Play