Ancelotti: “The Champions League is the competition we all like the most”
“It's important for us to defend because from there we can take advantage of the individual quality we possess,” said the coach.
Carlos Ancelotti spoke in the press conference ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Braga 9pm CET. The coach had the following to say: “It's an opportunity for us because after two wins it would be nice to win again. We're up against a team that is playing well, that likes to attack and be in control. It's important for us to defend because from there we can take advantage of the individual quality we possess.”
Confidence going into the clash
“It's an important aspect. Beginning a game without fear is positive, but we have to respect our opponents, who attack very well and have scored a lot of goals in recent games. I have the utmost respect, but it's a fantastic opportunity to put the group stage firmly on track.”
5 Champions League titles and 4 league crowns in 12 seasons
“This competition is very important for Real Madrid and this club has placed a lot of focus on this competition. This is the one we all like the most: the club, players and coaches. It's a special competition and we have to look forward and not backwards.”
The referees
“I have faith in the referees as a matter of course, sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. If you ask me about the videos, you know better than me what freedom of expression is and everyone can say what they think. I have to focus on the team and leave alone the referees, the judges. It's a special moment in Spanish football and until it's cleared up we'll always have these kinds of problems.”
Confidence going into the clash
“It's an important aspect. Beginning a game without fear is positive, but we have to respect our opponents, who attack very well and have scored a lot of goals in recent games. I have the utmost respect, but it's a fantastic opportunity to put the group stage firmly on track.”
5 Champions League titles and 4 league crowns in 12 seasons
“This competition is very important for Real Madrid and this club has placed a lot of focus on this competition. This is the one we all like the most: the club, players and coaches. It's a special competition and we have to look forward and not backwards.”
The referees
“I have faith in the referees as a matter of course, sometimes a little more and sometimes a little less. If you ask me about the videos, you know better than me what freedom of expression is and everyone can say what they think. I have to focus on the team and leave alone the referees, the judges. It's a special moment in Spanish football and until it's cleared up we'll always have these kinds of problems.”
“Sometimes we've been penalised, but you know that I don't have freedom of expression when it comes to talking about referees. If I say what I think, I get suspended and I want to work and make the most of the matches, which excite me. I can't answer these kinds of questions.”
Differences between refereeing in Spain and in Europe
“We have to evaluate a lot of things. The referee who officiates in Spain lives in Spain and the English referee officiating in Portugal lives in England. Refereeing in Europe is different to refereeing in Spain. There's a different pressure. The referees who referee in Spain don't have the pressure in Europe that they have in Spain.”
The Clásico
“We've never talked about the next game we have in the league, we're focused and dedicated to the one we're playing right now. The players are making the most of it and recovering well to get to full strength for tomorrow's game, which is the most important one at the moment. As I said, it's a great opportunity to get the group firmly on track and we have to make the most of it.”
Possible rotations
“I have to assess the condition of some players, especially those who have come back from injury, like Alaba and Mendy. Nacho is back and Fran is okay, but some players have knocks after the last game. Today we train with all those who have travelled and then I will make the decision to select the eleven.”
Comments by Pedro Rocha on referees
The acting president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation said Spanish referees 'are the best in the whole of Europe'. When asked about this, Ancelotti said: ' If you ask me who the best players in the world are, I say Real Madrid players. There are some very good referees with a lot of experience and there are others who need to improve.”
In memory of Pelé, who would have turned 83 today
“The good thing about football is that there's a generation with Pele, another with Cristiano and Messi, another with Maradona. It's impossible to compare these footballer geniuses. Pelé left an image of a spectacular footballer and a magnificent talent, as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and many others will leave.”
Differences between refereeing in Spain and in Europe
“We have to evaluate a lot of things. The referee who officiates in Spain lives in Spain and the English referee officiating in Portugal lives in England. Refereeing in Europe is different to refereeing in Spain. There's a different pressure. The referees who referee in Spain don't have the pressure in Europe that they have in Spain.”
The Clásico
“We've never talked about the next game we have in the league, we're focused and dedicated to the one we're playing right now. The players are making the most of it and recovering well to get to full strength for tomorrow's game, which is the most important one at the moment. As I said, it's a great opportunity to get the group firmly on track and we have to make the most of it.”
Possible rotations
“I have to assess the condition of some players, especially those who have come back from injury, like Alaba and Mendy. Nacho is back and Fran is okay, but some players have knocks after the last game. Today we train with all those who have travelled and then I will make the decision to select the eleven.”
Comments by Pedro Rocha on referees
The acting president of the Royal Spanish Football Federation said Spanish referees 'are the best in the whole of Europe'. When asked about this, Ancelotti said: ' If you ask me who the best players in the world are, I say Real Madrid players. There are some very good referees with a lot of experience and there are others who need to improve.”
In memory of Pelé, who would have turned 83 today
“The good thing about football is that there's a generation with Pele, another with Cristiano and Messi, another with Maradona. It's impossible to compare these footballer geniuses. Pelé left an image of a spectacular footballer and a magnificent talent, as Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and many others will leave.”