Ancelotti surrenders to Modric: “Extraordinary player”

Match balance: “I am very happy, they were a strong rival and we handled the game well, with the calm and confidence that we have at the moment. With solidity at the back and effectiveness at the front. We did not have many opportunities but we were effective

Very complete match: “The solidity at the back… We didn’t need to push a lot because they sent long balls. We were surprised that they played 4-4-2 so at the beginning we had to push more on the wing with the wings. But after the first goal the game was controlled ”.

What he liked the most: “Modric … the three points, the solidity, a clean sheet, Courtois, the assists … There are many things.”

You said the best, Modric: “I think so. He played a spectacular game in every way, with the ball, without it, with personality, character… He is an extraordinary player ”.

Benzema: “Yesterday was fine. Then it was loaded a bit at the end of the first half and I preferred to avoid risks, like Carvajal who had a bit of overload in the hamstring and I changed it ”.

Very sentenced league: “I am not ruling out anyone. Atlético has quality, character, personality… He never dies. So far we have done very well, we have a good streak and dynamics. The problem now is that the League is not over, we still have 21 games. We are happy for what we did but we have to look forward ”.

Later, the Italian coach spoke at a press conference.

Ancelotti effect. “No (laughs). I have a team that leaves me alone because I know what they do on the field. They handle the game very well. They have defensive commitment. It is a team. They are not just players with great quality. The difference we have made in the first part is this. A team with quality that brings it together with the aim of winning the games “

Defense or attack: “I like the team defensively. It is where we have improved the most. We are more solid. The pressure is not too high, but we like that because with the lower block so we can use the forwards for the counter.”

Modric. “I congratulated him on the game. It was incredible. I don’t know exactly what I told him but his game was spectacular. With and without the ball, with personality. Extraordinary.”

Lose the League. “You put a lot of pressure on me. We are favorites, you can say. We have done very well. But we are focused on the next games because a mental decline can be expensive. We have to continue because it is the way to get closer to winning.”

Champions. “I don’t know what can happen in the Champions League. We will also be competitive in the Champions League. We will fight until the end.”

Happy. “I am very satisfied to be here. The first stage was very happy. The first stage I do not forget that the second year we won 22 matches in a row and then the second part of the season did not go well. I am happy, but I know that the second part of Traps can be found during the season. We have to avoid this and I hope that the experience of the first stage will help me not to make mistakes. “

Vinicius. “He’s improving himself. I don’t talk to him much because I don’t have much to say to him. I always tell him to be effective. Don’t do dribbling to be done. If you think it’s fair to dribble, it’s fair to pass, it’s fair to shoot, do. He has to do things to help the team. Today he did not go one-on-one against Llorente and he gave two assists. “