Ancelotti: 'It was an intelligent display'
'The key thing for us was to nullify the Leipzig counter because they can be very dangerous', explained the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu following Real Madrid's win over Leipzig on matchday two of the Champions League Group Stage: 'In the second half, when they lowered the energy to focus on quick transitions, we pushed on and we deserved to win it. I can't ask the players to deliver swashbuckling football at this stage of the season. We put in an intelligent display. We'd like to have scored earlier but it's the Champions League and we're up against a Leipzig side who are flying high and just beat Dortmund. We were a bit concerned about this game but in the end we got the job done'.
'It wasn't a spectacular performance but to be honest the key thing for us was to nullify their counter-attack because they can be very dangerous. We pushed our lines high up in the first half and we had it largely under control at the back, they only got in behind us a couple of times. We wanted to make sure defensive awareness was central to our game because the counter attack is their greatest strength'.
Praise for Valverde
'I found it odd he only got one goal last year, with the shooting ability he has. I told him if he wasn't capable of scoring at least 10 goals in a season, I'd have to rip up my coaching credentials. He's showing confidence in his quality. It's not just energy and dynamism, it's about being smart on the pitch and reading situations well. He's got a great shot on him. We'll have to wait a little longer to call him the best in the world'.
His players' passion
“It's normal to get angry and be concerned during a match. I can't remember a game when I've sat calmly in the dugout. What's really notable about this team is that these players are all true madridistas and that ultimately tells. The weight of the shirt is a significant responsibility and it makes you feel a madridista like all the fans”.
Asensio
'He's played a key role in winning this game, just like Valverde. His reaction after becoming frustrated was very good. He has trained with real focus and he put in a great performance today'.
'It wasn't a spectacular performance but to be honest the key thing for us was to nullify their counter-attack because they can be very dangerous. We pushed our lines high up in the first half and we had it largely under control at the back, they only got in behind us a couple of times. We wanted to make sure defensive awareness was central to our game because the counter attack is their greatest strength'.
Praise for Valverde
'I found it odd he only got one goal last year, with the shooting ability he has. I told him if he wasn't capable of scoring at least 10 goals in a season, I'd have to rip up my coaching credentials. He's showing confidence in his quality. It's not just energy and dynamism, it's about being smart on the pitch and reading situations well. He's got a great shot on him. We'll have to wait a little longer to call him the best in the world'.
His players' passion
“It's normal to get angry and be concerned during a match. I can't remember a game when I've sat calmly in the dugout. What's really notable about this team is that these players are all true madridistas and that ultimately tells. The weight of the shirt is a significant responsibility and it makes you feel a madridista like all the fans”.
Asensio
'He's played a key role in winning this game, just like Valverde. His reaction after becoming frustrated was very good. He has trained with real focus and he put in a great performance today'.