Ancelotti: “I'm pleased with what we've done so far but I'm aware of what's still to come”
"We've managed the first half of the season well despite all the problems we've had," said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press at Real Madrid City on the eve of the LaLiga matchday 17 meeting with Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu (Sunday, 9:00 pm CET). The Italian reflected: "We're approaching Christmas and we're up against a well organised, well prepared team but we're on a great run, the results reflect that. The atmosphere is good, there's a good mood around the place and the players are motivated. We want to finish the first half of the season strongly, we've done really well so far."
"We've managed the first part of the campaign well despite all the problems we've had. I don't know what's going to happen. I have faith in the campaign. I'm pleased with what we've done to this point but well aware of what is still to come because it's a long season. There are still six months to go."
Number 1 against Villarreal
“I've decided but I haven't spoken to them yet. I want them to hear it from me before finding out in the press. The good thing is that they make it hard for me because they're both in such great form.".
A new contract for Christmas
“Being Real Madrid coach is the most important thing. I hope the players will give me a Christmas present by winning the last couple of games so we can have a relaxed festive period. If the club is happy then I am too. There is no rush to renew my deal, it's not a problem. We're here until 30 June 2024."
Endrick
"My advice for the young lads is to enjoy the moment. He's progressing really well, we're thrilled that he'll be our player from July. I hope he enjoys this spell. He came over to see us and to watch the game and we chatted with him for a while, but we have to wait until July now."
“He's learning Spanish. He's delighted with what he's been able to achieve. He's done a brilliant job for his team and they've won a couple of trophies. He's enjoying himself but he's focused on what he has to do with the national side at the Olympics."
On penalties
“Last year there was a very clear line, with Karim, and then Modrić. That's changed because Modrić was the first taker and he wasn't playing so much early on. We've got Joselu, who is a great penalty taker but he doesn't play every game. We're trying to sort it out and practice more but it's not just a technical issue, it's about the atmosphere, something you can't reproduce in training. We're looking at it, I hope we can resolve it."
Kroos
“If he plays with Germany, they'll be fortunate enough to have one of the greatest central midfielders in the world."
Super League
“We have to wait for the 21st to have any opinion on that because something big could happen that may change the future of football. The calendar and all sorts of other things could change. We have to wait and see."
Xavi's statements about which team has more pressure
“I couldn't say which is the toughest team. It's normal for a coach to receive criticism generally. We have to accept that. Everyone is then free to consider what they think is fair or not. The judgement of a coach is based purely on results, on whether or not you succeed. Nobody cares about your working methods, your ability to manage different situations, a player who might stay on the bench or the starting XI you pick. A coach is judged on whether or not they win games. Xavi knows that very well. He's a good professional and I think he's a great coach. He has the ability to deal with these situations."