Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media before Real Madrid’s game against Cadiz on Saturday. He spoke about Thibaut Courtois, and confirmed when he is going to play next. He said: “Yes, he’s fine. Tomorrow he will play after a long time. It’s good news that he’s back, just like Militao. He can contribute, he’s fine, he’s very excited. We’re delighted that he’s back.”
Ancelotti about Cadiz on Saturday
“The objective is very clear: add three points to get closer to winning this competition. We only think about fulfilling our objective against a team that is fighting to avoid relegation, that arrives at the Bernabéu with desire and enthusiasm.”
Ancelotti on possible title celebrations
“No, we haven’t thought anything because we haven’t won anything yet. We will think about the celebrations the day we are mathematically sure. Still, we are not. The goal is the three points.”
Ancelotti on whether he would play in the UCL final, if Real Madrid qualify
“The final we have in mind is Wednesday against Bayern Munich, where Lunin will play. Then, we’ll see.”
Ancelotti on improvements on the first leg
“We put Rodrygo on the left and Vinicius on the right. Rodrygo scored against City and Vinicius against Bayern. It went very well, we have to adjust things. In general, in the defensive aspect, against Bayern we have to improve.”
Ancelotti on just two losses all season
“It has never happened to me to have only two defeats. We want to continue with this streak. The squad has done very well, with a lot of commitment. Everyone has contributed a lot, from those who have played the most to those who have played the least. We reached the stage final very excited, with a lot of desire to win titles.”
The improvements that can be made defensively
“I’m not talking about individualities. The team, in my opinion, was too passive against Bayern. We have to be more active. Militão will play tomorrow to pick up the pace.”
Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham
“Bellingham has simply had an intestinal virus that has not given him a chance to recover 100%. Now, he is very well, he will do very well as he always has.”
Ancelotti on Vinicius Jr
“He is a player who progresses very quickly due to his attitude, his work and his quality. He is really a very important player for us.”
Ancelotti on the decision to play Rodrygo on the left
“Placing Rodrygo on the left wing is offensive, not defensive. It was only to try to create more damage to the rival defense. It is not a definitive decision, it can change. He is effective in all the positions in which I put him. To He doesn’t change much.”
Ancelotti on Güler
“Yes, he will start tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on this squad compared to his previous teams
“It is difficult to compare one squad with another. I see in this squad an extraordinary collective commitment.”
Ancelotti on Kroos’ contract situation
“Let him make the best decision for him.”
Ancelotti on how they celebrated the title vs Espanyol in 2022
“We are aware that it is different. When we played against Espanyol, it was in our hands, now it is not. We are missing four points. This is what we have in mind, it is the reason why we do not want to talk about celebration.”
Ancelotti on the difference between an ACL injury to an outfield player to a goalkeeper
“What does this mean? (Laughs). You want to ask if Courtois can reach a hypothetical final, right? We only think about the final we have on Wednesday. We don’t think about what could happen in a month. We’ll see. Hopefully, we can think about it, it will mean that we will reach the final in London.
“The injury is similar, but the readings are different. Defenders have different circumstances than a goalkeeper. One can be adapted before and another after. On a physical level they are fine, they have been medically discharged. Then we have to evaluate the situations.”
