Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City and analyzed the game against Rayo Vallecano, his 25th matchday LaLiga: “Vallecas is always a difficult place to play. It has been in the past and it will be a difficult game, against a team that needs points and that has changed its manager this week. They have extra motivation and we will have to be at our best because these are big moments in the season and we have to make the most of them. We watched videos and tried to prepare for the game in the best way possible because we know it is a vital game for us at the time.”
Tswameni’s role at centre-back
“When the center backs are back, Rüdiger It will be soon, Militão it is a little further and Alabama even more, Tchouameni he will not be used as a center back. He’s going to be a starter, that’s why we signed him. Of course, he is showing that he can contribute as a central defender and is getting used to a new role. That shows how smart he is.”
Modric
“I’ve talked to him about it once and I think that’s enough. A player who is used to playing every game finds it harder than others to sit on the bench. I understand and respect him. His demeanor is that of a very serious professional who continues to train and fight to be able to play. He is available to play in any game, even tomorrow’s. He is a player who can play in any game. He continues to contribute in the locker room like before when he played every game. He is a highly respected player and an example of what a professional should be. He continues to be one of the elements of the team.”
To Rodrigo
“I really appreciate the defensive work of the forwards, because usually the players who have the most quality are the ones who run the least. This is not the case with Rodrigo. In the last two games, the work of the attackers was very crucial to keep the zero score.”
Rumors about Bape
“Do I seem affected or anxious today? No. The same will be done in the next press conferences.”
Team discussions before matches
“The idea came at the beginning of the season. We suggest you talk to each player before a match, although you are not required to do so. To the captains and all. Every match we pick one of them to talk to before we go out to play. It’s a tradition we’ve introduced this season. I think it’s good to have a few minutes where a player can encourage his teammates.”
Arda Güler
“Are well. He can play from the start because his fitness level is good enough to contribute. Now he has to contend with the competition he has. We have to be patient with him.”
Contract renewals
“What the club has done in recent years with legends Modric, Cross, Nacho and to all those players, he gives them a one-year contract. This is the idea of the club. With Modric I spoke a month ago about this issue and everything is clear for both of us.”
Balance in the lineups
“The best must play. The important thing is to maintain a balance. The most important thing is quality and balance. If you can combine them, you can succeed.”
Bape
“I see and hear what has happened. I understand it’s the topic of the day for you, but for us it’s tomorrow’s game. We have to finish well this season. We talked about the game, watched a video and tried to prepare for the game as best as possible. It is a vital game for our season. I would like to finish this season well and try to win trophies. There is enough time to think about next season.”
Watch all the videos from this match on RM Play