Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the home match against Real Betis on Sunday. Ancelotti was asked about the game and the importance of playing at home, to which he said: “I think the fans will help us, we want to show our best form after the game against Las Palmas. The team is motivated to play a good game again and be solid with the ball.”
Ancelotti on whether there is a shortage of time between fixtures
“There is enough time because we are used to playing with this schedule. We have little time to work, it is the same as always.”
Ancelotti on whether there are concerns among the club
“Being concerned means that we are trying to solve our problems. So far we have not been able to have a compact block and we have to improve this. I have spoken to the players and they agree. When the problem is clear it is easy to solve it.”
Ancelotti on whether this is the toughest problem he has faced
“No, we have to defend better and that is a collective commitment. Now it is just an individual attitude that we have to work on to make it collective. The feeling is that we were having trouble recovering the ball and that rival teams were hurting us between the lines. It is something that we have and that we are going to solve.”
Ancelotti on being four points behind Barcelona
“We are not happy, but not because of the four points, but because we did not play well. The season is very long and that does not mean much.”
Ancelotti on Ceballos
“He is an important player for us, it is true that he has not had the minutes he wanted or deserved, but we are happy that he has stayed with us and he will be very useful for the team.“
Ancelotti on Mbappe
“If we think about defensive work, Kylian is the last one we have to think about. He is playing very well even though he has not scored, his influence creates danger. Mbappé’s adaptation is not a problem.”
Ancelotti on whether there is excessive criticism
“No, it’s absolutely normal because the demands of this team are maximum. We will have to deal with criticism until May. It’s normal for us.”
Ancelotti on the partnership between Vinicius Jr and Mbappe
“For me, they are associating well, the offensive work is being done very well. It has not been a problem because we have scored goals in all the games. Over time, they have associated better, not only Vini with Mbappé, but Mbappé with the midfielders, offensively we have no problem. We have not had it these years and we will not have it now that we have the best forwards in the world.”
Ancelotti on who will play on the left
“They have been alternating but Vinicius has played more on the left and will continue to do so.”
Ancelotti on who takes penalties
“It is right to give the responsibility to both Mbappé and Vinicius, so I prefer that they decide because I have a lot of confidence in them. It will depend on how they are in the match and what each one needs.”
