Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti did his media duties after an emotional night that saw Toni Kroos and his family say goodbye to the Santiago Bernabeu one final time in his career. After the game vs Betis ended, Ancelotti took to the media and talked about everything, including the way he would have to replace Kroos next season. Ancelotti said: “No. Bellingham is better the closer it is to the rival goal and Kroos… there is no one with his characteristics on the market. We will have to replace it in another way. We have high-quality, different midfielders and we will have to adapt the next season to these different characteristics.”
Ancelotti on doing better without Kroos
“Doing better than Kroos has done, in this team, is very complicated. He has made a very strong decision, because no one could even imagine it, but he has shown a lot of character and saying goodbye like this is great. He is saying goodbye to a great football character and, I repeat, we have been lucky to have him here. Football has enjoyed a great player.”
Ancelotti on the farewell for Kroos
“The Bernabéu has given him the farewell he deserves. It has been a great night, very emotional for everyone, very much. But we are still lucky to enjoy it for another week. It’s been one of the biggest, obviously. A high-quality medium, with a fantastic character, little ego, very humble and always at the service of the team, very altruistic. How lucky to have had it for ten years.
“It is a great farewell to a legend, a player who has done something extraordinary for this club. And it is the farewell he deserves.”
Ancelotti on whether he will have to change the system for Kroos like he did with Benzema
“This is a good question. At an environmental level, those who are here have to take more responsibility; and at a technical level… you have to see it. We can think of a more vertical game, with players who have more energy, but less playing time.”
Ancelotti on whether this will be the XI vs Dortmund
“I have a week to think… and there are still some doubts, obviously. We are going to enjoy this moment until Friday, preparing for a new final, focused on reaching our limit and trying to win.”
Ancelotti on the future of Modric, Vazquez, Nacho
“They don’t ask me, they are not my children. They are very clear about what they want to do and we respect their decisions. Today it is not the most important issue either for them or for us.”
Ancelotti on whether it has been an honor training Kroos
“Of course. One of the greatest…he has finished his career on the top. And I hope we can lift the Fifteenth next Saturday.”
