Ancelotti: “Eder Militao could start vs Barcelona”
Carlo Ancelotti sat in front of the media before the Clasico on Sunday, and was a lot of topics, ranging from Nacho Fernandez’s potential departure to the game vs Manchester City. He also spoke about Militao’s chances to start. The Italian coach said: “He could be a starter. He’s good, training. He only needs minutes. He wants to play and can be an option.”
How are the team feeling after Manchester City?
“Recovering well. There are players who need one more day. Mendy has not trained today. We are going to put the best team possible.”
Ancelotti on Nacho’s future
“It’s his future. He must say what he wants to do. He played a spectacular game the other day, a high-level game. He was, is and will continue to be a great centre-back.”
On the criticism from people about the ‘way’ Real played vs City
“I’m not surprised. Everyone can have their opinion. It is very clear to us how we should play. You have to manage well when you have the ball and when you don’t. I haven’t found any sad fans of ours so far. They are happy, and I am happy with it.“
On Casemiro’s departure
“He was a legend, and when he left it was an emotional moment not only for me but for all Real Madrid fans.”
On Valverde
“It is difficult to say what he can improve. Their season is the season of continuity. He is a team player, and that is decisive. Where I put it, it contributes. He contributes as a winger, as a pivot, he gives assists, goals. He is irreplaceable to me.”
On his staff
“He [Davide] and Mauri contribute. It is a high-level, young coaching staff. They bring a lot of enthusiasm and make me doubt a lot. They get along well with the players, and they are very serious and professional. At my age, when sometimes enthusiasm is lacking, it is important to surround yourself with enthusiastic people. The environment is healthy and clean and they bring out the best in us. It’s not just the players. The atmosphere is made up of everyone, coaching staff, props… it is part of the success. They stay with me.”
The game on Sunday
“It will be a very competitive rival, who is doing very well. We are convinced that it will be a Clasico as always, it will be very hard fought. It is a great opportunity to get closer to La Liga. Barcelona is a very lively team.”
On Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi
“The connection between veterans and young people is very important. Cubarsí and Yamal are a surprise for everyone. They are very young and are going to have a very successful future.”
On playing three centre-backs in the last few minutes vs City
“We do not rule it out. When there is little left to defend, I can put five defenders or seven, and hopefully two goalkeepers.”
On whether Modric will ever take a secondary role
“He will never accept being a secondary player. He has the same quality and enthusiasm as 10 years ago, which is why he will never accept.”
On Mendy
“He is very important for us. He cares about contributing, and he does it fantastically. For us, He is the best in the world. Dribbling against him is not easy. We see it in all training sessions.”
On Rudiger’s penalties
“On Monday, we practiced, and all three of his went in. The technical aspect is secondary. The emotional aspect is more important. You have to be calm and confident, and the players have to be honest and sincere. There are times when it’s hard to find five to shoot, and the other day, there were more than five who wanted to shoot. We chose those who were most convinced.”
On Rodrygo
“I see it very well. He has had delicate moments because he did not score and it was difficult to manage the moment, but he has always worked and scored again. For us it is very important. He is plugged in and tomorrow he is going to rest… until 21:00.”
On suffering vs Manchester City
“I suffered more against Chelsea because we were out of the tie. Against City, we were leading for many minutes and for very few eliminated, which also explains the low block. More difficulty against City, more suffering against Chelsea.”
On where this team’s strength lies
“Everyone puts the success of the team before personal ego. Seeing a commitment like the other day is rare in a top-level team.”