Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s much-needed 2-0 win over Real Betis on Sunday. Ancelotti was asked about Kylian Mbappe’s brace and how much it meant to the player, to which he said: “We have never put pressure on him. He played a good game, like everyone else, he had many opportunities. It’s important for him to score.”
Ancelotti on whether this win helps with the ‘anxiety’ around the team
“We are not anxious. We have drawn two games. We are very excited and motivated to try to do better. We did better and we deserved to win. We were more supportive of each other. We are going into the break with good feelings.”
Ancelotti on whether he made tactical changes to the attack
“We tried to play with Vinicius and Rodrygo on the outside, sometimes they come inside, but I think it worked out pretty well. Defensively, with the three in the middle, we were much more solid.”
Ancelotti on whether their problems are solved
“I had a good feeling in the first half, it was a bit difficult for us to change direction, but the team was into the game and we defended well. In the second half we increased the pace, as the team is used to. Problem solved? Obviously we are not at our best level, but this will come little by little.”
Ancelotti on Tchouameni’s performance
“He has shown all his qualities, he is a fantastic defensive pivot. He is very young and little by little he will learn to play the ball at the right time. But on a defensive level, he is an irreplaceable player. Today the defenders did very well.”
Ancelotti on Vini giving the penalty to Mbappe
“Vinicius was very altruistic in giving the penalty to Kylian. I think they have a good relationship between them, also with Rodrygo. I’m happy to have taken a step forward in what we want to do and what we want to be. We have to work, but we have all the resources to do well.”
Ancelotti on the defensive workload of the wingers
“Rodrygo and Vinicius are not new to this. With Rodrygo working hard, we won the Champions League in 2022. I think they will do it without a doubt. I am convinced that with the block under us we find a lot of transition, which is something we are very fast at.”
Ancelotti on the midfield
“The three midfielders give us much more solidity inside and the opposing team forces the game a little more there and it is easier for us to control it there. Brahim has also come on as right midfielder and he has done very well. The 4-3-3 is a system that sometimes, like the 4-4-2, we can use.”
Ancelotti on Fran Garcia and Brahim
“I don’t think I’ll classify a player as a substitute. I classify them as two very good players who always contribute to the team, no matter how many minutes they get. That’s what a footballer has to do, be ready. Today they were very good and gave energy to the team.”
Ancelotti’s thoughts on the international break
“The break is not good, it is never good, because it takes away the players, especially those who travel to South America, who find it difficult to return and rest. When there is a break, what I ask is that we do not have injuries, this is the greatest danger. Apart from that, the players are used to always playing. The only thing I ask is that they all return well.”
Ancelotti on what the team is lacking
“We need to be more consistent. Sometimes we get a little off track. The unit has always been and will always be the key to success. The last problem we have is scoring goals.”
