Carlo Ancelotti spoke at a press conference after Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Espanyol on Saturday.
What is your analysis of the match?
We started well and we reacted well after the 0-1. It was complete. We played better, with more rhythm and we had chances. I’m happy.
Are you angry about some yellow cards for protesting?
This season there have been three very severe ones. The referees’ method has changed a bit. They are more severe in that sense and we have to get used to it.
How are Bellingham and Carvajal doing?
For Dani, it’s a knock, nothing serious. Jude had a shoulder problem and he resolved it well. He was able to play the whole match without any problems. We’ll see tomorrow, even if it doesn’t seem to be anything particularly worrying.
But Jude has had this problem for months?
He has always played with protection. A month ago he took it off, because he was fine. Today the problem has resolved itself very well, he has not asked for a change. I think there will be no problem, although he must be careful with himself, obviously.
What do you think of the team’s reaction to a tight defense?
We played faster in attack, with more rhythm and better movements. We covered the area well. Mobility, as always, is an important weapon. The third goal was spectacular, on a fantastic counterattack. We shot a lot on goal and we have to be satisfied. In defense, the recovery was good, as was the pressure when losing the ball. We entered the game with good momentum, little by little we are returning to our best level.
Have you seen any rock & roll football today?
We combined well, even if everything didn’t work out. We kept trying. In the second half, with the open game, it worked out well for us. It was rock & roll.
38 games without losing in La Liga
There is another particular stat this season, it is that we have only scored one goal in the first half. It is striking. I spoke about it with the players before the match, to see if I could change this dynamic. It did not happen, but we played with more intensity. As for the 38 games without defeat… it confirms that this team has worked well, it is true.
About a year ago you said: “Maybe I’m being unfair to Brahim.” Don’t you think you’re being unfair to Endrick today?
Do you think I’m being unfair? On the one hand… yes, because he trains well, he’s someone who has a lot of qualities. But there’s Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappé… he has to be a little patient.
Is Tchouaméni more indispensable as a midfielder or as a central defender?
He is a fantastic defensive pivot, someone who adapts very well to the central defender position. He has the ability to read the actions. But for me, he remains a fantastic defensive midfielder.
Don’t you think that if Modric had more continuity…
It is obvious that the one who has playing minutes approaches his optimal condition faster. This is quite normal. Luka is always a guarantee, whether he plays from minute 1 or 70. He always plays at his highest level.
Was it more of a 4-3-3 today?
Today it was a 4-3-3, but we adapted to the conditions. Espanyol were playing a lot of long balls and we had to be attentive to cover the spaces. Bellingham’s position changed a little without the ball, for example.
