Ancelotti: “The derby is also special and we're coming into it with morale high'
“It will be an intense game and we have to keep up our positive run,' commented the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the media room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the derby, set for LaLiga matchday six 9:00pm CEST. The coach reflected: “The derby is a great opportunity, whether you're having a good spell or not. They are always special games. It's the two big teams in the capital, there is so much quality on show. They have always been very intense games, great to watch. I don't think the fact Atlético lost to Valencia will have an influence on the game. They played well against Lazio, tomorrow is a different match.'
“There's always a good atmosphere around the place before a big game like tomorrow. We're excited and hungry, focused on going up against opposition with lots of quality. Excitement for putting in a good performance is the overriding feeling, to continue the good run. We want to take the points as we're trying to win LaLiga, not just to make life hard for Atlético.'
Derby or the Clásico?
'There is no difference. They are both games we love preparing for, we want to be on the front foot. There is a tension there and we will do all we can to take the game to them.'
Vini Jr.'s recovery
“He trained with the group yesterday. He's in good shape, the injury has cleared up. He'll be in the squad, we'll decide tomorrow on what role he is capable of playing. Carvajal won't be available, he's not at 100%. The others are all okay, except Arda Güler, who will be back with the group on Monday.'
“There's always a good atmosphere around the place before a big game like tomorrow. We're excited and hungry, focused on going up against opposition with lots of quality. Excitement for putting in a good performance is the overriding feeling, to continue the good run. We want to take the points as we're trying to win LaLiga, not just to make life hard for Atlético.'
Derby or the Clásico?
'There is no difference. They are both games we love preparing for, we want to be on the front foot. There is a tension there and we will do all we can to take the game to them.'
Vini Jr.'s recovery
“He trained with the group yesterday. He's in good shape, the injury has cleared up. He'll be in the squad, we'll decide tomorrow on what role he is capable of playing. Carvajal won't be available, he's not at 100%. The others are all okay, except Arda Güler, who will be back with the group on Monday.'
“Vinicius trained yesterday and again today because there is no risk. If we think there's even a 1% risk, he won't play. The important thing is that he's made a full recovery, but he needs to get his match fitness back because he's been out for a month. We'll assess it tomorrow.'
Last season's racism
“Something has changed since what happened in Valencia last year. The atmosphere is calmer, it's more respectful. I'm sure that'll be the same tomorrow.'
Bellingham's stomach bug
“It was nothing really. He trained normally and he'll be available. If he hadn't been ready, someone else would have stepped in. This squad has shown it is capable of filling in when big players are out. If he missed out, we wouldn't be crying about it.'
Strength in the middle
“Leaving Kroos, Modrić, Valverde, Tchouameni or Camavinga on the bench is very difficult. There is real competition in the centre of the park and what I reflected on with them this week is that when I make a change, the player coming off looks disappointed and the guy coming on is happy. I understand one will be sad to get taken off, because he'll feel he's being switched because he's not playing well. But I do these things because I have the resources to do so and I want to freshen things up. You should be sad if you don't give 1000%. I'm not only taking about my players, I'm on about football in general. It's not a case specific to Real Madrid”.
Last season's racism
“Something has changed since what happened in Valencia last year. The atmosphere is calmer, it's more respectful. I'm sure that'll be the same tomorrow.'
Bellingham's stomach bug
“It was nothing really. He trained normally and he'll be available. If he hadn't been ready, someone else would have stepped in. This squad has shown it is capable of filling in when big players are out. If he missed out, we wouldn't be crying about it.'
Strength in the middle
“Leaving Kroos, Modrić, Valverde, Tchouameni or Camavinga on the bench is very difficult. There is real competition in the centre of the park and what I reflected on with them this week is that when I make a change, the player coming off looks disappointed and the guy coming on is happy. I understand one will be sad to get taken off, because he'll feel he's being switched because he's not playing well. But I do these things because I have the resources to do so and I want to freshen things up. You should be sad if you don't give 1000%. I'm not only taking about my players, I'm on about football in general. It's not a case specific to Real Madrid”.