Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media on Tuesday ahead of Real Madrid’s game against Lille in the UEFA Champions League. Ancelotti covered a wide range of topics, but the most popular bit was about the availability of Kylian Mbappe, about which he said: “Mbappé has been overloaded. Now with the new technologies, we talk about grade one, grade two… In the past, it was an overload and in less than a week he has recovered well. He wanted to travel to play. We will see how he trains today. If he is at his best, he can play. If there is no risk, he will play from the first minute. He has recovered very well, very quickly. He trained yesterday and today he will do the full training with us. Afterwards, we will make the decision together, because the last thing we want is to take risks.”
Ancelotti on the importance of this match
“We have to add points, taking into account the value of our opponents. They are a team that plays very well. They like to play with the ball, they have young and quality players. Every game must be fought for. That’s why we’re here. We’re doing well. We’re convinced that we can improve. We’re ready. There are many games left, but we’re doing pretty well.”
Ancelotti on Simeone’s quotes about asking for a sanction for Courtois
“I respect everyone’s opinion. The issue is clear. There were acts of violence in the match and violent people cannot be in football or in society. I try to respect all opinions, but what happened was seen by everyone. And it only means that violent people should not be in football or in society.”
Ancelotti on the statements made after the game
“Talking about other things is to deviate from the point of view. The point is that violent people cannot be in football. Not in Atleti, not in any field. Football does not need them. Let them stay somewhere else, where it is not dangerous. I am speaking in general terms. Whether it is a violent person from Madrid, Barça, Atleti, Villarreal, it does not matter. Let the violent people leave us in peace.”
Ancelotti on Courtois’ reaction
“I am respectful and I respond, but responding to Courtois’ behaviour, when he was shouted at during the match “die” is a deflection. There is nothing else to say.”
Ancelotti on Lille
“It’s a great club, they’ve done very well and great players have come out of here. They compete in Europe, I have a lot of affection for Olivier Letang, I have affection for him.”
Ancelotti on Modric replacing Kroos
“We are finding that he can replace Kroos, that’s true. We have to adapt to his absence. For me, he was the best player in the derby. For me Kroos is irreplaceable, we will find a way to play without him. The team has new qualities. At the moment we have not shown our full potential, but I am convinced that we will show our best level very soon.”
Ancelotti on Guler
“He has played more in this period than last year. He has done well. He is progressing. I don’t have to tell him anything. He knows his role here: he has a future and he is part of the team. He works like everyone else. Sometimes he plays and sometimes he doesn’t.”
