Ancelotti: “We have to put on a disciplined, complete display to get a good result'
“We're playing against one of the best teams in Italy, it will be a hard-fought, even game,' underlined the coach.
Ancelotti spoke to the press on the eve of Real Madrid's clash with Napoli. The coach reflected: “We're playing against one of the best teams in Italy. They did very well last year, it's going to be a hard-fought and even match because they have real quality, individual ability and the atmosphere will really push them on. We have to put on a disciplined and complete display. If we can do the same as we did in Girona, we'll get a good result."
“Bellingham has settled in brilliantly. He is showing the quality he has. Whether or not someone considers him the best in the world is not important. I think we have the best team in the world, everyone included. I'm thrilled to have Bellingham here playing with us."
Changing the team
"There are doubts, that's to be expected. normal. Many more for you than for me. Fortunately for me it's pretty clear. There are several options because Mendy is fit and ready to play. We defended well in Girona. The key thing for us in every game is to defend well. If we keep a clean sheet, we're more likely to win than lose."
On Modrić
“It is a bit of a surprise for Modrić not to have the role he has played in the past. He played the opening Champions League game, and the derby as well. In the last two he has not played because the competition is very tough and sometimes someone might be left on the bench. We have no problem with him whatsoever and he doesn't have any problems with us at all. I have great respect for him as a player and as a person, but sometimes I have to make really tough decisions."
Midfield rotation
"That's nothing new. I don't know how to explain it, it's simply a technical matter. It may well change tomorrow or in the coming games. One day it's Modrić and another it might be Kroos, Tchouameni or Camavinga."
“Bellingham has settled in brilliantly. He is showing the quality he has. Whether or not someone considers him the best in the world is not important. I think we have the best team in the world, everyone included. I'm thrilled to have Bellingham here playing with us."
Changing the team
"There are doubts, that's to be expected. normal. Many more for you than for me. Fortunately for me it's pretty clear. There are several options because Mendy is fit and ready to play. We defended well in Girona. The key thing for us in every game is to defend well. If we keep a clean sheet, we're more likely to win than lose."
On Modrić
“It is a bit of a surprise for Modrić not to have the role he has played in the past. He played the opening Champions League game, and the derby as well. In the last two he has not played because the competition is very tough and sometimes someone might be left on the bench. We have no problem with him whatsoever and he doesn't have any problems with us at all. I have great respect for him as a player and as a person, but sometimes I have to make really tough decisions."
Midfield rotation
"That's nothing new. I don't know how to explain it, it's simply a technical matter. It may well change tomorrow or in the coming games. One day it's Modrić and another it might be Kroos, Tchouameni or Camavinga."
"This kind of question comes up in every press conference. There's not too much to explain. We have seven guys and only four can play. When I put five in, I get slated, so it's best to play with four."
Left-back position
“Camavinga is an option. The good thing is that he is a complete player who can operate in several positions. He's very willing. If you ask him if he prefers to play as a left-back or be on the bench, he prefers to play at left-back. He won't be in there on a regular basis. We have two left backs who we trust fully. Fran has done very well and Mendy is recovering, the position is well covered, Camavinga included.”
A demanding game
“This will be the toughest Group Stage match for us. I don't want to say we're used to it, but this club's colours come with these demands."
Have you decided on your centre forward?
“I have decided. But I won't tell you."
His time at Napoli
“I had a really wonderful spell in a fantastic city. There were more difficult moments too, but I focus on the memory of a positive experience. I have a very good relationship with everyone there. Looking back before a game like this doesn't make sense. When the relationship between a club and a coach isn't quite right, it's better to call it a day. "I think it was the best decision for Napoli and for me because two years later I came back to the best club in the world."
Di Lorenzo
“When I arrived at Napoli, it wasn't clear to see he'd progress so impressively. He has continued to grow and he has made the national team and become one of the best full-backs in Europe. My congratulations to him, because he has reached this level thanks to his quality, discipline and professionalism."
Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen
“They are very good forwards who have really broken out in the last year, they have demonstrated their quality and shown they are top-level players. They have amazing talent with different characteristics. Kvaratskhelia is very strong one-on-one and Osimhen is very dangerous.”
On Nacho
“He's spoken to Portu and apologised. What more can he do? As I said, it was a foolish moment, he apologised and the opposition player accepted that apology. The matter is finished."
Left-back position
“Camavinga is an option. The good thing is that he is a complete player who can operate in several positions. He's very willing. If you ask him if he prefers to play as a left-back or be on the bench, he prefers to play at left-back. He won't be in there on a regular basis. We have two left backs who we trust fully. Fran has done very well and Mendy is recovering, the position is well covered, Camavinga included.”
A demanding game
“This will be the toughest Group Stage match for us. I don't want to say we're used to it, but this club's colours come with these demands."
Have you decided on your centre forward?
“I have decided. But I won't tell you."
His time at Napoli
“I had a really wonderful spell in a fantastic city. There were more difficult moments too, but I focus on the memory of a positive experience. I have a very good relationship with everyone there. Looking back before a game like this doesn't make sense. When the relationship between a club and a coach isn't quite right, it's better to call it a day. "I think it was the best decision for Napoli and for me because two years later I came back to the best club in the world."
Di Lorenzo
“When I arrived at Napoli, it wasn't clear to see he'd progress so impressively. He has continued to grow and he has made the national team and become one of the best full-backs in Europe. My congratulations to him, because he has reached this level thanks to his quality, discipline and professionalism."
Kvaratskhelia and Osimhen
“They are very good forwards who have really broken out in the last year, they have demonstrated their quality and shown they are top-level players. They have amazing talent with different characteristics. Kvaratskhelia is very strong one-on-one and Osimhen is very dangerous.”
On Nacho
“He's spoken to Portu and apologised. What more can he do? As I said, it was a foolish moment, he apologised and the opposition player accepted that apology. The matter is finished."