Ancelotti: "We aim to put in the best possible performance"
"The change of coach always brings added motivation to the players", explained the coach on how Napoli are coming into the game.
Carlos Ancelotti spoke to the media before the Champions League group stage matchday five clash against Napoli (Wednesday, 9pm CET). The coach explained: "Tomorrow's game gives us the chance to finish the Group Stage on a high, in which we've done very well so far. We have another chance and we aim to put in the best possible performance, that's the most important thing. Reaching the record of a legend like Miguel Muñoz makes me happy (if Real Madrid beat Napoli, Ancelotti will equal Muñoz's 41 European Cup wins as our team coach)".
"The first match was evenly matched and there were spells when one team was in control and others when the other was in control. It will be no different tomorrow in this respect. Napoli are very dangerous on the counter-attack, especially through Osimhen, and this is an aspect we have to be aware of in order to prevent them".
Mazzarri's arrival at Napoli
"He is a very experienced coach, who knows Italian football really well. He's a great friend and I think the change of coach always brings added motivation to the players. It happened in the game with Atalanta. He can contribute experience and his knowledge of the game".
Injuries
"Talking a lot about the problems we have with the injuries is disrespectful to those who are going to play and those who're available. They're doing very well. We have to focus on who we have and they're contributing in a way that we never expected them to. If we're playing at the same level with all these problems, it shows, even if you didn't think so, that this squad is very good".
The academy
"You've spoken a lot about the fact that the youth team doesn't play, but we need to take advantage of their quality. Nico and Gonzalo have played and Mario will be in the squad. Theo might also make the squad. I'm very confident in them and Raúl is doing a fantastic job. The players are ready to play for us, though I have to give priority to the first-team players who have played less. I'm at ease with the youth team because they're ready to play with us".
On his time at Napoli
"I was very happy at Napoli and I don't have any feelings of revenge or vindication".
Bellingham's adjustment
"He's very intelligent, professional, serious and mature. The most important thing is that he's a fantastic player and all great players adapt easily to football in any country".
Lunin
"He isn't thinking that tomorrow is his last game because when Kepa returns he's going to compete for the position with Lunin. Lunin has earned that by doing very well. Competition is good for us because we have two top level goalkeepers who can bring their quality to the team".
The teams he's coached
"I'm very fond of all the teams I've been able to work with. I don't want to disrespect anyone by ranking them. I have a special thing for Milan, because I played and coached there, and something special for Real Madrid because it is the biggest club in the world".
Simeone's contract renewal with Atletico
"Simeone is a special one, like Wenger or Ferguson. The life of a coach is very short and we have to congratulate Simeone because it's not normal to be at a club for so long".
Xavi Hernández
"I've not given him any advice. He knows football very well and knows that sometimes there's criticism. It's normal. He's got the experience to deal with all this very well. He's younger than me, but he knows the environment very well. He's well equipped to deal with this situation".