Ancelotti: “It will be a difficult game but we're confident we can do a good job"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City on the eve of his side's clash with Betis on LaLiga matchday 16, set to be played at the Estadio Benito Villamarín (Saturday, 4:15pm CET). The Italian reflected: “It's a tough clash with Betis because they're playing really well, particularly at home. They are a solid, well-organised outfit. Our goal is to perform at our best and try and win the game to keep up our good run. It will be a difficult game but we're confident we can do a good job."

“Kepa is back. He trained well and now we have two goalkeepers we trust. I have to pick between the two of them for tomorrow. There is competition between the sticks because Lunin has done really well. It's a decision I'll make tomorrow and over the coming games."

Competition in goal
“Lunin's performances have been fantastic and he deserves to be considered, as does Kepa. Nothing has changed and we still have faith in him. Meanwhile, Lunin has shown his character and personality. It's great for us to have them both. I may well rotate in these games in the run-up to Christmas."

Recovery
“We've had time to prepare for the game and we've recovered well from the Granada clash, with a couple of days off. We're prepared brilliantly, working hard both on the physical side and tactically. That's what a team needs. A week to work and train without games is always useful, it gives the team some breathing space and allows us to play at a higher level."

Bellingham
“Bellingham has been working on his own because he has to recover from the ankle problem he's been carrying since the Napoli game. He also needs proper recovery from his shoulder issue. He's doing specific work to strengthen it but he's been just fine to play and he'll get better with each passing day."

“I don't think he'll have surgery now. The shoulder is a particular joint. If it continues to pop out regularly, he'll need surgery but that's been ruled out for now because he feels okay and he is able to play."

Arda Güler
“He's coming towards the end of his recovery. He's been working individually and he'll step up the intensity next week. I'm not sure whether he'll be ready for the next games or the last couple of the year but he's close to coming back strong. I speak to him every day, as I do with all the guys who are out injured. It takes me a long time to speak with them all because there are so many."

Recovery times
“Courtois and Militão are recovering really well. Tchouameni and Güler are close to getting back into training with the group. We'll wait until next year for news about Vinicius and Camavinga. They'll be ready to train with the team again when we come back."

Isco
“He's playing really well, he's rediscovered his best form and I'm delighted for him. He's a player who has contributed and continues to contribute a lot to football. He's been through some tough times but he's come out the other side. He'll be one of the players we have to keep a close eye on tomorrow."

Would he go to Saudi Arabia for 500 million like Rahm?
“I'd walk there myself. I wouldn't even need a plane, I'd go on foot. I'm kidding. Each person decides what's best for them. The world is changing and will continue to change. Nothing, nor anyone surprises me. I'm not golf expert but it looks like Rahm is very good, the best in fact."

Goals
“I haven't had a call from Arabia. I live in the moment and it's fantastic. I have other goals. I've never thought about money because I grew up in a family where it wasn't important. Now I have money but it's still not important to me. The key thing is to feel good in a certain environment. If I were to go to Arabia I'd be fine too, but now I feel great here and long may that continue."