NEWS STORY. 25/04/2023
Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Montilivi to assess the clash with Girona on LaLiga matchday 31: "It was a tough night. Whenever you lose like this, it's a tough night. We were very poor defensively and that was what decided the game. We did a good job with the ball, especially early on. Then they hit us with two goals on the counter and we tried to get back into the game with individual moments, not as a team. We were individually poor and the defensive side of things, which has been great in recent games, was nowhere to be seen today."
"The team were nervous from the off and then we lost control. It looked as though half-time would help us but then we conceded again and it was an uphill battle. The fans are hurting and we apologise. We're hurting too but we know we will be in good shape for the Copa final and the Champions League semis."
Is the defeat a wake-up call?
"Defeat is never a good thing but I think the defensive commitment of this team is crucial if we're to have success. If we don't have that, we will struggle to win games but if we show it, we'll have success. That's the key. We have unbelievable quality and that has to be aided by the defensive commitment which we did not show today. We hadn't conceded a single goal in six of the last seven games and today we let in four. If the players don't understand that, I'll have to drum it into them every day."
Vini Jr.
"He got a goal and an assist. He was good, as always, but the team lacked connection. He has seen too many yellow cards for a player of his characteristics."
Nacho's substitution
"He did his job and I changed him to bring on Camavinga to try to and make more inroads up the left wing. I have nothing to criticise him about. He wasn't at his level, but neither was anyone else. Nobody played at their usual level."
