The Real Madrid coach appeared in the press room at Valdebebas to discuss the upcoming Copa del Rey match against Celta de Vigo.
First match of the year at the Bernabéu
It's an important opportunity after the bad match we had, which hurt us a lot. But we did not sink. We must react. It's a good match against an opponent who plays well. I hope the team will have a good reaction after the match the other day.
Tchouameni, pointed out as central defender. What will happen when Alaba returns?
I remain convinced that Tchouameni performed well as a central defender. The data speaks in his favor, knowing that this is not his ideal position. As soon as we no longer have the urgency in defense and Alaba returns, he will resume his pivotal position.
Is the defeat against Barça a step backwards?
This is a step backwards, but we must move forward. There remains a season where we are well placed in all competitions. It was a bad game, we made a lot of mistakes. We assessed the situation and found the solution. We must move forward.
Does this solution require greater collective commitment from those at the front?
The lack of commitment is collective, not individual. The bottom line is that it was a bad defensive match on all lines. There is nothing to add.
You said in September that this team was better than last season.
She has youth, energy, quality, commitment. She is not always able to show it, but they are a team of absolute value and I have full confidence in them. They won the Intercontinental, the European Cup, they are competitive. It was a bad game… We paid the bill for all the good things we did, it was an expensive bill, but it was a game. We will fight until the end, as always. Everyone can have their opinion, but I always have complete confidence in all my players, especially those who are not playing at their best at the moment.
Is it an attitude problem or a football problem? What is missing?
I have to clarify one thing. This is a press conference and not a debate, the debate is between the coaching team and my players. Opening a debate here does not seem to me to be the most appropriate place.
What criticism hurts you the most?
Nothing hurts me. The team worked well. It doesn't bother me because it's not the truth.
How do you think Mbappé has changed?
He needed time to adapt to the team and regain his best physical level. Today he is in a very good period and the team must take advantage of it.
The market
The idea has not changed. We are talking with the club to make the team more competitive, but talking here about what I am talking about with the club does not seem right to me.
Is it difficult to be Carlo Ancelotti?
No not at all. The most beautiful place in the world is, professionally, where I am, on the Real Madrid bench. This is the place every coach wants to be one day. My job is the best in the world.
How do you deal with this situation from the inside?
The good thing about football is that after a bad match, after a defeat like that, there is an opportunity to do well, which is tomorrow, and that gives you the chance to focus on that. what you should do and not about the bad things you have done.
Do you think the team needs reinforcements?
I won't answer you.
Will the reaction be the same as in the final?
Everyone has recovered well. Maybe something will change, but in general I think the idea is to field the best team possible.
Lunin or Courtois?
Yes, Lunin will play.
Player engagement
The word “commitment” is often used, because it is a very important aspect of the game. It is quality that makes success. We lacked commitment from everyone, because the most important thing is to combine individual commitment, and that's what happened to us in the match against Barcelona.
Asencio
He is a central defender. It takes time to integrate him as a right-back, because he is not used to it. He first arrived two months ago, he had good matches, he showed he can play, but he has only been with us for two months.
You're not very cheerful… Have you been hurt by personal criticism lately or are you upset about anything?
I'm not the wave of critics who want one day to be the best in the world and another day to be the worst. I have the necessary balance, which gave me the experience, to know who I am and not get carried away by this wave. I don't think I'm the best, but I don't think I'm the stupidest either.
Related News :