MADRID, 2 Oct. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insisted once again that he must “make very difficult decisions” when it comes to configuring his starting midfield in each match because “the competition” in that area is very high and he confessed that he knows that “It is quite surprising” that Luka Modric is not playing the role of previous seasons, while he made it clear that this Tuesday they visit a Naples, which is “a high-level team” and against which he hopes to “repeat the good” of the victory at Montilivi.
“We are playing against one of the best teams in Italy, which has maintained the same structure, so I expect a competitive and even match because it is a high-level team, with individuality and an atmosphere that will push it a lot. We have to play a serious, complete match, and repeat the good things we did in Girona because I think we can get something good out of this match,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
In this sense, the Madrid coach pointed out that what he wants to have as a “base” from last Saturday was “the team’s attitude” when it comes to defending “well.” “For us, in every game the most important thing is always to defend well because keeping a clean sheet gives you a greater chance of winning than losing,” he said.
Regarding the “doubts” that there may be regarding the left back, he sees them as “normal”, although he considers that “they are more for the press.” “I’m pretty clear on it, luckily,” he warned. “I have many options (at left back). Mendy has recovered because he was a little tired and ready to play, Fran (García) has done very well and we have the position well covered, with Camavinga included,” he explained.
“Camavinga is an option. He is a player who can play in many positions and if you ask him if he prefers to play as a left back or be on the bench, he will say with confidence that he is a left back. But on a regular basis, no, we have two left backs.” that give us confidence,” he added about the French player.
Ancelotti confessed that it is “quite surprising” that Luka Modric “does not have the same role as in the past.” “He played the first Champions League game, also the derby and in these last two games he has not played because the competition in the middle is very high. There is no problem with him or him with us, I have great respect for him, but I have have to make decisions that cost everyone a lot,” he stressed.
The one from Reggiolo reiterated that there is “nothing new” about the Croatian’s situation, but that he does not know “how to explain” his substitution. “It is only a technical decision that has happened in these games that can change tomorrow or in the next games. Some days it will be Modric, others Kroos, Tchouaméni or Camavinga. Every game there is someone who stays on the bench because we are seven midfielders and only four play, and when five play you hit me,” he concluded with a laugh.
Ancelotti is also “clear” about whether Joselu or Rodrygo Goes will play against Naples and praised the good performance of Jude Bellingham who “has adapted very well to his new team, showing all the qualities he has.” “But it is not important if someone can consider him the best in the world, for me we have the best team in the world and we have to have this enthusiasm and desire,” he stressed.
“IT IS SURELY THE MOST DIFFICULT MATCH IN THIS PHASE”
From Naples, he does not hide that he has “very good forwards” like Victor Osimhen and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. “Last year they showed that they were at a very high level, with different characteristics and that they do it very well because their quality and talent is a lot. Osimhen is a powerful and very dangerous attacker and Kvaratskhelia is very good one on one,” he analyzed. .
The Italian coach returns to Naples, “a wonderful city” from which he was dismissed in 2019 and where he had “good and less good moments” and the “memory of a positive experience.” “This match is surely the most difficult of the group stage and the reality is not that we are more accustomed to these matches, but the Real Madrid shirt weighs on everyone, for us in a positive way and also for the rival,” he commented.
“I have a very good relationship with everyone. If there is not the right feeling in the club-coach relationship, the best thing is to stop and I think that was the most correct decision for Naples and for me, especially because two years later I returned to the best club in the world,” added the Italian coach.
Finally, Ancelotti was asked about Nacho Fernández, protagonist on Saturday, for his harsh tackle on Cristian Portu. “Nacho spoke with Portu and apologized, I don’t know what else he has to do. It was an action of lack of lucidity and I think the apologies have been accepted and the issue ends there,” he said.