Carlo Ancelotti, Real Madrid coach, spoke at a press conference on the eve of the clash against Liverpool.
The keys to the match? “It will be a very close match. We are two historic clubs. We each have our characteristics and we will see who imposes theirs. Liverpool are always very competitive. They were with Klopp, they still are with their new coach.”
When did Vinicius' injury occur?
“At the end of the match but the important thing is not when he was injured but that he is injured. Let him recover quickly and we will think of the players to replace him.”
Lucas Vazquez returns. Will he be the starter?
“Valverde was very good, I had no doubt about it. But it was an emergency solution and Lucas came back. He feels good. It's an option and I have the choice between the two.”
Do you like the new LDC format? “I think we have to wait again, it's a little different from previous years. We think about tomorrow's match, we have to take points tomorrow and in the remaining matches. I don't know if we will finish in the top 8 because we have already lost two matches.”
Former Everton player, is this a special match? And you like Alexander-Arnold ? “I can’t talk about him, he’s not my player and I’m still blue (editor’s note: for Everton).”
Wasn't it better to rotate players who were in South America before? “I hear a lot of advice but I've managed 1,300 matches, I've fielded 1,300 teams and I've made almost 4,000 changes. Nobody can give me advice on that.”
Should players notify themselves when they feel discomfort? “Vinicius is a professional and serious player. He's not going to take any risks. Both he and Valverde were fine, that's all. We know why players get injured, right? Because there are too many matches. “
Liverpool are candidates to win the CL?
“Every victory gives confidence and Liverpool are having a very good season but we are back and we hope to do well tomorrow. With a strong eleven. The end of the season is still far away…”
In three months, Real had 11 muscle injuries.. “Yes and also 7 cruciate ligaments. Avoiding it is complicated. It's not just a problem for Real but also for other teams. We have to put up with all that.”
Do you think Asencio is ready? “I find him good, with personality. He is always very focused. He played very well the last two games and I am convinced that he will do the same tomorrow.”
