Ancelotti: "We're in for a tough game and it's important we do a good job in both attack and defence"

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City on the day prior to the team's LaLiga matchday 19 clash with Real Sociedad at the Santiago Bernabéu (Sunday, 9:00pm CET): “They're playing some great football, they're in good form and have a clear identity. It's a tough game. Compared to the Atlético clash, our aim will be to improve on the first-half performance. It will be important to deliver a complete match in defence and attack because Real Sociedad are a great side".

His work as a coach
“In my head, I'm thinking that there are always tough spells in football and that's when it's important to keep calm and look at yourself. It's a team game, that includes me, the players and the club. Football allows you to move on from a bad spell very quickly and at the same time, you have to be aware a good spell can finish very quickly. We have to maintain our concentration to ensure it doesn't happen".

The Bernabéu factor
“The fans at the Santiago Bernabéu really help us. Last season we had some amazing moments here and they really help and give us an extra push in the difficult moments".

Carvajal's recovery
"He did well in the early stage of the season. Now he's on the way back from injury and we trust him, as we always have. He has so much experience and he'll contribute in the second half of the season. He'll be available for the next match, as will Alaba and Tchouameni, who will be back against Valencia on Thursday".
 
Controlling games
“When we won the Champions League last year they said we weren't playing good football. We have the quality and sometimes we have more of the play, others we might have less. Real Madrid doesn't have a set way of playing because I don't want them to. I want a team that is capable of doing all kinds of things. Not having a fixed identity doesn't mean you don't play football. We have the ability to play, just sometimes we dominate and others less so".

The team's positive mentality 
“They all have a great attitude. I have a fantastic team in this sense and nobody ever gives up. They're always focused and showing me they can play. Camavinga, Ceballos and Asensio have done a great job, just at a time when we really need everyone to chip in”.

The 4-2-3-1 system
“It's a system I really like, especially from a defensive perspective. Sometimes we have Asensio, Modrić or Rodrygo as the number ten. It's a position Rodrygo loves because it's ideal for him to play in behind the forward. That's how we've approached many games”.

Praise for Militão
“I think he's doing brilliantly and still has room for improvement. He's one of the best in the world. When he's focused, he's got it all. Ability in one-on-one situations, he's quick, aggressive and strong in the air".

Could his son Davide be set to leave?
“It will happen sooner or later because he wants to be a head coach, but it won't be now. The day that I step down or he decides to go, he'll do so with no problem at all because he wants to carve out a career for himself and he has the ability to do so".

Gil Marín's letter following the Copa derby
““It was a hard-fought evenly matched game. We deserved to win it and I'm not going to get into anything else because the only system I am aware of is the one I'm going to play tomorrow. I'd rather not discuss this issue. All I can say is, it's in my character to respect all opinions, and that's it".

Vini Jr.'s performance against Atlético
“He prepared for the derby like he prepares for any game, focused and eager to play. I thought he did well, he did a very tough job. He ran a lot, made mistakes, but then he got the goal at the end”.

The referees' efforts
“A referee's job is incredibly difficult. It seemed as though VAR could help and it has in many ways, like with off-sides, for example. Subjective opinions will always cause problems and controversy. If we compare it to the 70s or 80s, there is no corruption to be seen here but the thing is, sometimes they make mistakes, as we all do. The standard of refereeing in Europe has improved immensely".