Ancelotti: "The team is in good shape, motivated and hungry to win"

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press at Real Madrid City on the eve of the matchday 34 LaLiga meeting with Getafe at the Santiago Bernabéu (Saturday, 9:00pm CEST): "We're in pretty good shape. We have some doubts over some players who picked up knocks on Tuesday's game and still haven't recovered fully, like Benzema, Alaba and Rodrygo. Mendy and Ceballos are coming back, they're back 100% now. We'll assess the other three tomorrow. The team is in good shape, motivated and hungry to win."
 
“Tuesday's game isn't what we're thinking about at the moment. A game has many facets. I wanted to approach it defensively with this kind of block and from an attacking perspective we did pretty well, especially in the second half when we had more of the ball. But our focus is on tomorrow because we want to do a good job and get the win."
 
Tavares' comments on what this crest means
“It's difficult to put into words, but it's there. The 'Fight to the end, let's go Real' is like our middle name. It's something special about the club and it's hard to explain. We're delighted with what the basketball team achieved, we're really happy for them."
 
Line-up against Manchester City in the return leg
“I have my greatest doubts when the team is at its best. I may well have doubts until the last minute on Wednesday but that's a good sign."
 
A much-changed starting XI against Getafe?
“Courtois will play tomorrow, as will Vini. I don't know whether they will start, but everyone who is available will play. It's going to be a competitive line-up. I won't take any risks because we have players who are fresh. Tomorrow's game is going to be tough against opposition who are fighting not to go down, it'll be a demanding clash and we need freshness and energy. Tomorrow's team will be fresh and full of energy."

Would you understand if people are angry over the line-up?
“No, I wouldn't. Many teams pick their games. We will try and win the game tomorrow by putting out our best possible team. I will keep back the players who are doubtful but the rest will be available. It will be a very competitive team because I have a hugely competitive squad. I won't reveal the line-up because I don't want to give my friend Bordalás an advantage, but it will be a competitive eleven."

Rodrygo
“The stats show he's played in almost every big game because he's done a brilliant job and he's deserved his place. The team manages playing with three forwards really well. Things have gone well for him and he's earned it. He's contributed really well in every game he's played."

Courtois
“I didn't get him a gift for his birthday. He's a tremendously talented goalkeeper, one of the best in the world. He's fortunate enough to have all these great qualities as well as a top-class goalkeeper coach. Luis Llopis does a great job with the team and he's really important to us. We work specifically with him. I always feel as though a goalkeeper must be better with his hands than with his feet but Courtois can do both very well."

Conversation with the president
“The last time I spoke to him was yesterday. We're excited and motivated because it's a key stage of the season. We want to finish LaLiga strongly and then try and make the Champions League final. The club is as happy and motivated as we are."

Confidence
“For us, every game demands that we play as well as we possibly can to try and win. Tomorrow will be no different. A good performance keeps you in a positive dynamic and a bad game can see doubts start to creep in ahead of a game like we have on Wednesday."

Vini Jr.
“He has no physical issues, he's absolutely fine. It's important to deal with that individually. Each player has their expectation and I have spoken to him, he's happy and excited. He contributes so much and he's doing some spectacular things right now. At this moment in time, if Vinicius isn't the best, he's certainly right up there. He gives us a lot, he's a decisive player who delivers goals and assists. He has to keep it up."
 
Relationship with Bordalás
“I have spoken to him and I like his way of understanding football and life. We're friends, I am very fond of him. I wish him all the best."

Ceballos and Asensio's future
“It's a decision the players have to make and they will do so shortly."

Influence of the Getafe game on the Champions League
“It won't have an influence. The players who are doubtful for tomorrow won't play, we have time to get them back. We've got 4 days. We have recovered really well with less than 3 days' rest. The physical side isn't an issue."

Are Ancelotti and Guardiola the best coaches in the world?
“No, there are several others."