NEWS STORY. 04/03/2023
Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City ahead of the clash away against Betis, matchday 24 of LaLiga, which will be played at the Benito Villamarín (Sunday, 9pm CET): "We're managing the scheduling quite well. The team's in good physical condition and the players are recovering. Mendy should be back next week."
"We've got a tough game against Betis, who are an organised team, and they play very good and attractive football. There's no room for error and we'll do everything we can to get the win."
Modrić
"I don’t think the issue of Modrić’s renewal is a big problem. He'll do what he has to do and they'll make the right decision. It’s not an issue for me, the club or Luka."
On the Clásico
"I watched the game again and I'll stand by what I said. I feel we played well. We have to improve things, but most of the things we did were done well."
Vini Jr.
"I’m not worried because he's a player who's focused on what he has to do. He’s contributing. In the last few games he’s struggled a bit because he's been closely marked. But we’re not concerned. What's important is that he doesn't lose the desire or passion to play and he hasn't done so."
Benzema
"It's not always possible for a striker to score in every game. The striker's position is the culmination of the team's work, which they can do well but other times the opposition keeps things tight. I think he's in good shape and in better physical condition than he was in the first part of the season. If he doesn’t score in a game it’s not a problem. In terms of attack, we've scored more goals than any other team in the league. So, there’s no problem there. In the last two games we haven't been as clinical, but three days before we scored five at Anfield."
Favourites in the Copa del Rey semi-final
“We're not thinking about that, we're only thinking about tomorrow's game. We're at a disadvantage in the cup game and we'll try to turn it around.”
Modrić and Kroos
“I don't think they slow down the game when they play together. I don't perceive this as a problem. The speed of the game isn't about running more, it's about thinking first. They both have the experience and knowledge to do this. You have to run the ball because the ball doesn't perspire.”
Refereeing reports
“I don't need them. I know the referees and I've always found out for myself. Recently, with so many matches, you are familiar with the referees in the Primera División. You don't need a report to know how a referee awards decisions. You don't need help in that sense nowadays.”
Camavinga and Tchouameni
“We shouldn't forget that when Tchouameni joined us in the first part of the season, he was amazingly quick to adapt. He had an outstanding World Cup and now he's back in a good shape. I'm confident that he will contribute as he did in the first part of the season. But Camavinga's doing really well.”
Ceballos
“He's fine, he can play. He hasn't played in the last few matches but he can do so. I try to field the best team to try to win and I don't focus on the minutes for each player.”
Creating chances
“The low block means we have to endure a bit because we have different characteristics with the forwards we have. But I don't want to change. I don't want a target man because I want Benzema. His quality helps us to improve the quality of our attacking play. That's why we're the team that's scored the most goals in LaLiga. Admittedly, it's better for us to play in transition and with a low block it's a bit harder for us.”
“Having Rodrygo back helps us because he's a player who has quality in tight spaces and can play his way out of trouble. We haven't had him in the last two games because he got injured at Anfield and getting him back gives us a boost. But the low block is a problem for every team. If you have a tall centre-forward you have to deliver crosses and we don't want to compromise the quality we have in tight spaces with Vinicius, Benzema and Rodrygo.”
Álvaro Rodríguez
“He's got the quality, not only as a powerhouse. He's very young. If you're good, it's OK that if you're young. If he deserves to play, he'll play. He's progressing, he's training well and he's working well.”
Militão
“For me, he’s the best centre-back in the world”.
On playing Benzema and Álvaro upfront together
“Yes, you can modify the formation and play a 4-4-2. It could be a good partnership. Benzema's used to playing in a deeper position. We don't want to rule that out. It could happen.”
