Ancelotti: 'The substitutions gave the team added energy and confidence'
'We're at a time in the season where we can't stop and we have to keep battling and trying to win games', stated the coach following the win.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu to give his thoughts on Real Madrid's win over Sevilla: 'In the first half we pressed very hard and they moved the ball well to keep a high pace. We did a good job but after the break our energy levels dropped and our confidence was rocked when they got the equaliser. The substitutions gave the team added energy and confidence. When we scored the second goal, on an incredible counter with some sublime passes by Asensio and Vini Jr., that's where we won the game'.
'We have a phenomenal bench with an amazing attitude. When the guys who come off the bench make the difference, that's the sign of a healthy squad. We're at a time in the season where we have to dig in because every game is hugely demanding both physically and mentally. We can't stop and we have to keep battling and trying to win games'.
The squad
'It's a team which is a joy to coach because they are all very respectful of the decisions I make and don't cause any issues. It's one of the best squads, if not the best, I've ever had'.
'We have a phenomenal bench with an amazing attitude. When the guys who come off the bench make the difference, that's the sign of a healthy squad. We're at a time in the season where we have to dig in because every game is hugely demanding both physically and mentally. We can't stop and we have to keep battling and trying to win games'.
The squad
'It's a team which is a joy to coach because they are all very respectful of the decisions I make and don't cause any issues. It's one of the best squads, if not the best, I've ever had'.
Wager with Valverde & his knock
“He got a knock to the leg and it’s bothering him. We’ll have to take a look at it, but I don’t know if he’ll be fit for Tuesday. Given that he just got the only goal last season, my coaching badge looked in serious danger, but he’s very responsible and getting me out of bother. I’m really not one to place bets”.
Vini Jr.’s two assists
“He provided two assists and they’re more important than goals for me. He’s a dangerous player and it’s perfectly normal that the opposition go in hard against him. He gets himself in a lot of one-on-one situations and the top players come in for special treatment”.
Benzema
“He won’t be fit for Tuesday, but I think he’ll make Sunday’s game. I’m not worried about him because it’s a very minor issue he picked up yesterday. It’s true that he hasn’t had a decent run, but when he is fit and motivated, he remains a very important player for us, although we’ve got such strength in depth that we’ve been able to cover the absence of such an important player. That doesn’t mean to say that Karim won’t be important in the second half of the season.”
Praise for Asensio
“He’s a great player who’s capable of playing for Real Madrid. He’s making the most of the limited game time I’m giving him and he’s deserving of more. Both he and Vini Jr. were the difference-makers today.”
“He got a knock to the leg and it’s bothering him. We’ll have to take a look at it, but I don’t know if he’ll be fit for Tuesday. Given that he just got the only goal last season, my coaching badge looked in serious danger, but he’s very responsible and getting me out of bother. I’m really not one to place bets”.
Vini Jr.’s two assists
“He provided two assists and they’re more important than goals for me. He’s a dangerous player and it’s perfectly normal that the opposition go in hard against him. He gets himself in a lot of one-on-one situations and the top players come in for special treatment”.
Benzema
“He won’t be fit for Tuesday, but I think he’ll make Sunday’s game. I’m not worried about him because it’s a very minor issue he picked up yesterday. It’s true that he hasn’t had a decent run, but when he is fit and motivated, he remains a very important player for us, although we’ve got such strength in depth that we’ve been able to cover the absence of such an important player. That doesn’t mean to say that Karim won’t be important in the second half of the season.”
Praise for Asensio
“He’s a great player who’s capable of playing for Real Madrid. He’s making the most of the limited game time I’m giving him and he’s deserving of more. Both he and Vini Jr. were the difference-makers today.”