Ancelotti: “We handed them the first goal and from then on it became more difficult'
'I'm confident we'll see a different team in the next two games', said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room after the game against Real Sociedad, on matchday 33 of LaLiga. The coach had the following to say: “The first half was good, but then we handed them the first goal and from then on it became more difficult. The low block worked, but in the second half we got off to a poor start, by giving away the first goal.”
“I'm confident we'll see a different team in the next two games, with the utmost focus and motivation. A squad that is practically 100 per cent ready to win the Copa del Rey and fight to reach the Champions League final. Of course, motivation is not like a light, but this team is quite special in this regard.”
Injured players
“There were some knocks, because it was an intense match with a lot of heavy tackles. Nothing special. We'll have most of the players back for Saturday's game. Mendy won't be playing, but the rest, more or less, will all recover. Valverde, Benzema and all those who were at home today will be available.”
“I'm confident we'll see a different team in the next two games, with the utmost focus and motivation. A squad that is practically 100 per cent ready to win the Copa del Rey and fight to reach the Champions League final. Of course, motivation is not like a light, but this team is quite special in this regard.”
Injured players
“There were some knocks, because it was an intense match with a lot of heavy tackles. Nothing special. We'll have most of the players back for Saturday's game. Mendy won't be playing, but the rest, more or less, will all recover. Valverde, Benzema and all those who were at home today will be available.”
Preparation for the Copa
“It’s not the best way to get ready for the match because a defeat always hurts, it worries you and hits the morale and the positive dynamic a bit. It’s not ideal for us in terms of preparation for what we have to come but it’s pretty clear that the players’ minds are thinking ahead to Saturday’s final and the semi-final as well. That impacts your concentration in games and when your focus is not there, you end up gifting goals.”
On Modrić
“He trained today, he’s feeling good, we’ll reassess him in the coming days. We won’t take any risks but he is recovering really well and I think he has a chance of playing.”
Feelings
“In recent times, we’ve lost a bit of consistency in LaLiga and our levels have really dropped. Fortunately we’re still in two competitions and let’s hope they help us to fix the end of our season.”
“It’s not the best way to get ready for the match because a defeat always hurts, it worries you and hits the morale and the positive dynamic a bit. It’s not ideal for us in terms of preparation for what we have to come but it’s pretty clear that the players’ minds are thinking ahead to Saturday’s final and the semi-final as well. That impacts your concentration in games and when your focus is not there, you end up gifting goals.”
On Modrić
“He trained today, he’s feeling good, we’ll reassess him in the coming days. We won’t take any risks but he is recovering really well and I think he has a chance of playing.”
Feelings
“In recent times, we’ve lost a bit of consistency in LaLiga and our levels have really dropped. Fortunately we’re still in two competitions and let’s hope they help us to fix the end of our season.”