Ancelotti: “This is the best time to play a big game”
'We're in good spirits and we're hugely excited about playing the Clásico', added the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media in the press room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the Clásico on LaLiga matchday eleven, set to be played at the Estadio Olímpico Lluís Companys Saturday, 4:15pm CEST: “We're motivated, it's an important, special game, as is always the case with the Clásico. It's the first one of the season and there will be more to come because they are several competitions. We're in good shape and we're hugely excited to put on a good display. We're in good spirits; this is the perfect time to play a big game.”
“Just like the derby, there are no favourites in the Clásico. We're in good form and we're hungry to play. They're looking strong as well and it's going to be a brilliant game, hard-fought as ever. I hope the fans enjoy it.'
Bellingham
'He's fine, fully recovered, he'll play tomorrow. He did a recuperation session yesterday and they've dealt with the strain. Professionals watch every game and he is well aware of what the Clásico is about. It's a fixture watched by everyone, it's one of the biggest games there is.'
Will the Clásico determine the fate of LaLiga?
“It's an important game, there are three points at stake, but this is a big one in the team's dynamic, and for the fans too. It's a long season and it's far too early to say this will be a decisive game in terms of the points. It's significant in other ways. There are lots of teams in the mix in LaLiga, like Girona and Atlético and it will be hard-fought until the end.'
El opposition
“They are a great side, they're well organised in attack and defence. They have had young lads come in with real quality and we're expecting the same Barcelona as ever. I love all the Barcelona youth players. Fermín has put in some superb performances and I really like Lamal. We've got young lads with a big future ahead of them too: Arda Güler, Camavinga, Vini Jr., Bellingham, Tchouameni…”
“I haven't seen what Barcelona did in training today. For us, the important thing is that Bellingham will be playing and I'm just focused on putting out the best possible line-up. We have to try and do our best tomorrow.'
Barcelona academy graduates
“It comes in spells. The youngsters are enjoying it right now because there have been a lot of injuries in the first team and it's to be expected that they would turn to the quality of their academy. We would be in the same boat. We have three or four guys who are very close to breaking into the team: Álvaro, Nico Paz, Gonzalo and Mario Martín”.
“Just like the derby, there are no favourites in the Clásico. We're in good form and we're hungry to play. They're looking strong as well and it's going to be a brilliant game, hard-fought as ever. I hope the fans enjoy it.'
Bellingham
'He's fine, fully recovered, he'll play tomorrow. He did a recuperation session yesterday and they've dealt with the strain. Professionals watch every game and he is well aware of what the Clásico is about. It's a fixture watched by everyone, it's one of the biggest games there is.'
Will the Clásico determine the fate of LaLiga?
“It's an important game, there are three points at stake, but this is a big one in the team's dynamic, and for the fans too. It's a long season and it's far too early to say this will be a decisive game in terms of the points. It's significant in other ways. There are lots of teams in the mix in LaLiga, like Girona and Atlético and it will be hard-fought until the end.'
El opposition
“They are a great side, they're well organised in attack and defence. They have had young lads come in with real quality and we're expecting the same Barcelona as ever. I love all the Barcelona youth players. Fermín has put in some superb performances and I really like Lamal. We've got young lads with a big future ahead of them too: Arda Güler, Camavinga, Vini Jr., Bellingham, Tchouameni…”
“I haven't seen what Barcelona did in training today. For us, the important thing is that Bellingham will be playing and I'm just focused on putting out the best possible line-up. We have to try and do our best tomorrow.'
Barcelona academy graduates
“It comes in spells. The youngsters are enjoying it right now because there have been a lot of injuries in the first team and it's to be expected that they would turn to the quality of their academy. We would be in the same boat. We have three or four guys who are very close to breaking into the team: Álvaro, Nico Paz, Gonzalo and Mario Martín”.
Camavinga or Mendy at left-back?
“Camavinga has done a good job. Mendy has an advantage because he rested for the Champions League clash. Camavinga's ideal position is in defensive midfield because that's where he can really express his talent. He does well inside and at full-back too. have faith in all of them, often it's unlikely for a player to start and finish the game. I know whoever doesn't start will still have a lot to contribute to the game. Everyone understands that. I don't tend to explain my decisions but the players are so professional, they don't ask for explanations if they don't play.'
His morale
“I'm good, very good. This is a game I love. It's exciting to prepare for it and it really motivates you. I'm well rested.'
Kroos
“We started the season with a new system and I tried to put the young lads in to see what they could contribute. We started rotating to keep the team fresh and motivated across the whole squad.'
Carvajal's role in from set-plays
“He's a good header of the ball and he's smart in the box. We've switched his role from set-pieces because up until last year he was just keeping an eye out.'
Referee: Gil Manzano
“I know him very well, as do UEFA. He's one of the highest rated officials in Europe and the perfect guy to take charge of a game like tomorrow's.'
Florentino Pérez's presence at the Clásico
“What I know is that every decision he makes is with Real Madrid's best interests at heart. I don't know what he'll do, but whatever it is, it will be for the best for this club.'
“Camavinga has done a good job. Mendy has an advantage because he rested for the Champions League clash. Camavinga's ideal position is in defensive midfield because that's where he can really express his talent. He does well inside and at full-back too. have faith in all of them, often it's unlikely for a player to start and finish the game. I know whoever doesn't start will still have a lot to contribute to the game. Everyone understands that. I don't tend to explain my decisions but the players are so professional, they don't ask for explanations if they don't play.'
His morale
“I'm good, very good. This is a game I love. It's exciting to prepare for it and it really motivates you. I'm well rested.'
Kroos
“We started the season with a new system and I tried to put the young lads in to see what they could contribute. We started rotating to keep the team fresh and motivated across the whole squad.'
Carvajal's role in from set-plays
“He's a good header of the ball and he's smart in the box. We've switched his role from set-pieces because up until last year he was just keeping an eye out.'
Referee: Gil Manzano
“I know him very well, as do UEFA. He's one of the highest rated officials in Europe and the perfect guy to take charge of a game like tomorrow's.'
Florentino Pérez's presence at the Clásico
“What I know is that every decision he makes is with Real Madrid's best interests at heart. I don't know what he'll do, but whatever it is, it will be for the best for this club.'