- The Real Madrid coach appeared at a press conference prior to the league premiere against Almería
- Ancelotti announces that after Madrid he will retire from the benches
- Who will be the starting eleven for Real Madrid on matchday one?
Carlo Ancelotti spoke for the first time in league terms ahead of the duel against Almería this coming Sunday, for which his team “is highly motivated and prepared”.
Courtois best goalkeeper
“It’s true that Courtois, at the moment, is the best goalkeeper in the world but I don’t know if he’s the best I’ve ever trained because I’ve been with Buffon, Casillas, Neuer, Cech, Diego López… and I think they’ve all been spectacular”.
Renewal Asensio and Ceballos
“I have to evaluate the moment of the players and that’s all it’s worth. Then each one has to assess what they want. It’s what we have until August 31, if something changes in their heads we’ll have to adapt.”
Valverde’s role
“He did very well in the second half of last season and it’s hard to say he’s a starter because nobody is. He helps us a lot with his presence and his ability many times.”
Doubts about the approach to the World Cup
“Until the World Cup, we are not going to have many problems. The players who want to do well in the World Cup are going to take care of themselves and they are going to enjoy the games before. The doubt, the great doubt, is to know how they come after the World Cup, and what will it be like to enter the important moment of the season. That’s where we have doubts, regarding the rest and others”.
more rotations
“The reason for the rotations is because we have a very strong squad and we have to motivate everyone. We need a fairly long squad because there is also a World Cup and the idea is that we rotate more than last year”.
Ancelotti’s motivation
“Passion for this sport is key, but the illusion I have of training at the best club in the world. That’s what motivates me. It’s a very beautiful moment that I know perfectly well that it can end and what I want to do is the day of goodbye is extended as long as possible”.
Absence of Kroos among the nominees
“It is a bit strange that he is not among the nominees but it would be a problem if all the Madrid players were there, although I would include Militao, Valverde, or Alaba”.
Future of Vinicius
“In the future, he will fight to win the Ballon d’Or in the future but now, unfortunately for him, we already have a winner. We hope he continues the success of last year. It has been an incredible year for him and with a lot of continuity. What we ask is that you continue like this”.
Rudiger’s contribution
“Rüdiger is very good. He will only play at left-back if we have an emergency but I will use him as a center-back.”