Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after Friday night’s 1-0 win over Real Sociedad, and praised the man who got the game-winning goal as he outlined his plans for the future, saying, “I really liked Arda’s great attitude, fighting and fighting for every ball. He’s going to be very important in the future and there’s no doubt that he’ll stay here next year”.
Ancelotti on Arda Güler’s work off the ball
“I liked him a lot. It’s a ‘limit’ he has, because we all know he has extraordinary quality, a lot of talent. That’s where he needs to improve and he’s doing that. He has been working for a long time and, yes, he could have played earlier, because training has been going very well, but he is very young and he will come to the fore. We’re talking about a guy who has more goals than minutes played and that can only be a gift.”
Ancelotti on the other ‘reserve’ options
“All those who have played less in this final stretch of the season have done very, very well. Arda, Dani, Fran… All of them, very well.”
Ancelotti on Luka Modrić
“He has shown, as in the last few games, optimum physical condition, handling the ball very well in the second half to evade Real Sociedad’s pressure. His condition is spectacular and of course he can play on Tuesday.”
Ancelotti on who will play alongside Antonio Rüdiger against Bayern Munich
“I have to look at the line-up because Militao is back, he had his first start and a very good game, we have a lot of options and I have to evaluate them in the next few days.”
Ancelotti on Militão and Courtois playing in Germany
“They have options. Thibaut could play against Cádiz, I think so and then we will evaluate each game. Today Militão showed that he is slowly getting back to his best and faces more opportunities to improve.”
Ancelotti on having one eye on Munich
“I understand that people thought we were coming here for a stroll, but the players didn’t. I’m very proud of them, for their performance. I’m very proud of them, for their commitment, attitude, desire and enthusiasm to keep winning. They wanted to maintain the good dynamic and I want to thank them for that. In this sense, they were spectacular.”
