Ancelotti: "We want to keep the good momentum going and finish 2023 on a high note"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid Sport City to analyse LaLiga matchday 18 between Alavés and Real Madrid (Thursday, 9:30pm CET). The coach said: "We want to keep up the good momentum we've had in the last few games, get the three points and finish this 2023 campaign on a high note."

"It's a very complicated moment of the season. Fortunately, I have the players to thank for pulling through. It's not that we're doing a special job, we have to invent something, but what is special is what this squad is doing at such a tough time."

Goalkeepers
"Both are doing very well, we are very happy. Lunin has made a lot of progress and has shown a lot of confidence, and Kepa has maintained his usual high level. I wanted to reward them both. Kepa will play tomorrow and in the second half of the season I think I will choose one of the two."

On The Super League decision
"We're all waiting for this decision, which could be important for the future of European football. We have to wait and see what happens."

Tchouameni
"He doesn't like to play centre-back, just like Camavinga doesn't like to play centre-back. In emergencies he has played well at centre-back and he knows that if there is an emergency he will play there for a game or two. But his future at Real Madrid is as a defensive midfielder and we all know that."

Signing a centre-back
"We have spoken to the club and we will evaluate it over the next few days. We have time because the January transfer window ends on the 31st. We will look for the best possible solution, but for now we're not in a hurry. We will try to finish the year well with tomorrow's game and then we have time to make the best possible decision."
"It's not the time to talk about names. If there is a possibility that we think is a good option we will do it. We have time to think about it. I'm not going to tell you if I'd like it or not. We are going to think about it and together we're going to make the best decision."

Leipzig
" They are a side that competes, fights and has good individual qualities. They're doing well in the German league. It'll be a tough game because they're a very strong opponent. They played in the Group Stage against Manchester City and took a 2-0 lead at home. They have a lot of strengths."

Figueroa Vázquez's gesture to Bellingham
"It was not a lack of respect. The referee, who is a judge, has to avoid this kind of thing, but I take into account that they also get heated because there is a lot of complaining during games. I don't think it's serious enough to create a problem that doesn't exist."

VAR conversations
"It seems to me to be a small detail, which I think is quite curious, but nothing more. I don't care what the referees talk about during the match. For 2024, I wish them all the best and that they make as few mistakes as possible. Or at least fewer than in 2023".

Endrick
"The experience that the young players who have come out of Brazil like Vini Jr. and Rodrygo have had is what he is looking for. He's delighted and excited to be back in July."

Future
"My future is tomorrow's game and the week's holiday. My contract is up on 30 June, that's the future."

Cruciate ligament injuries
"The cruciate injury is an horrific injury. You can't prevent it. Players who haven't had any knee problems have had this injury. It's something you can't control. It's different from muscle injuries, which can be caused by fatigue, overloading... You can avoid them a little bit more. Unfortunately we've had them and so far we've managed it well. Let's see what happens in the second half of the season. In March or April we may be thinking that Militão or Courtois could come back if everything goes well with their respective recoveries."