Ancelotti: “We won thanks to this team's immense commitment"
“This team has unfathomable energy. We dug in well, played some good stuff and defended well with ten men, and we got our reward at the end," said the coach.
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the media room at the Mendizorroza to speak to the press. The Italian wished everyone a Merry Christmas, before assessing Real Madrid's win over Alavés on LaLiga matchday 18: “We're really pleased with tonight because it was very difficult but thanks to the immense commitment of this team, we have won it. Playing with ten men for over half an hour required a huge effort. That's why we deserved to win it at the end.”
“It was a tough game and when we went a man down, everyone thought this might be the day we slip up. This team has unfathomable energy. We dug in well, played some good stuff and defended well with ten men, and we got our reward at the end."
Rodrygo and Lucas Vázquez
“Rodrygo is a bit fatigued and Lucas Vázquez scored today and got the assist against Villarreal. He's dangerous in the box."
The Super League ruling
“It is important for football as a whole and for all the clubs. There are some who aren't so convinced but I think the fact there will not be a monopoly ruling our world will ultimately be a positive thing for the clubs and the players. The international calendar may be improved, that's what worries us at the moment. Time will tell it's been positive. I'm convinced it will be positive for everyone involved. I haven't had chance to look at the format but this decision will be a good thing for football."
Tchouameni at centre-back
"He'll be upset, but he's a fantastic centre-back. He plays very well, he brings the ball out from the back like few others and tactically he's very good. He's lucky that he can play in two positions: as a defensive midfielder and at centre-back."
Bellingham's attitude
"It wasn't a protest. It was a foul and they didn't give him a card. He doesn't have to change his attitude because that's how he's scored 14 goals. He doesn't have to change anything he does on the pitch because he's doing a superb job."
Nacho's sending off
"The referee saw it as a yellow and the VAR saw it as a red. That's the problem with football, the referee sees it one way and the VAR sees it another."
Girona as LaLiga rivals
"Drawing against Betis is not so easy and Girona have displayed all the quality they have shown throughout the season. I think they will fight until the end because they don't have any European competition. I also think Barcelona and Atlético will be there until the end. And keep an eye on Bilbao, who are playing very well too."