MADRID, 5 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, assured that the Copa del Rey is “a competition” that has given him “a lot of happiness” as a Madrid coach, with whom he has won two “unforgettable” titles for him, and asked to take “in seriously” the premiere this Saturday against Arandina CF of the Second RFEF.
“The Copa del Rey is a competition that, with the help of Real Madrid, I have won twice, and on the two occasions that we have been able to win it it has given me a lot of happiness. For me, both the one in Valencia and the last year in Seville. It is a competition that interests us a lot,” Ancelotti commented this Friday at the press conference prior to the match.
Regarding the debut in the competition against a lower category team like Arandina, the Italian hopes that his team will bring out its “best level” and that they will play “a serious game” and compete “as always.” “I have no doubts and I am very confident that the team at this moment is 'connected', motivated and focused on the game,” he added.
The Madrid coach insisted that “due to the fact” of being the current champions they are going to “try to win” the Cup and that this involves doing “the best possible” from the first day. Despite this, the white coach confirmed that he will rest Kross, Vinícius and Tchouameni and Mendy who “will be in the Super Cup”, while Camavinga will travel.
In this sense, the Madrid coach praised the recovery work of the Brazilian winger, who returned against Mallorca, two weeks ahead of schedule. “His return is due to his seriousness, his professionalism and the good work that the doctors and physios who have worked with him have done,” he stressed.
“I would not talk about a game with changes, but about a game that, like last year against Cacereño, is complicated and difficult. We have to take the game seriously because it is going to be a complicated one. There may be changes due to the fact that we played on Wednesday night, but the team is going to be just as competitive,” explained Ancelotti, who gave some clues about his eleven by assuring that Arda Güler is “available to start” and reiterating that Kepa Arrizabalaga will be the starting goalkeeper.
“I think it is a different situation than the one I experienced with Casillas and Diego López. There is competition in goal, and this is good for us and for them because they are both motivated and working very well,” he noted about the specific case of the goal.
Real Madrid has more problems in the center line due to the absences, although Nacho returns to a call-up. “Carvajal is an option, as is Nacho. We also have the option of Carrillo, who is with us and is training well,” commented the Italian.
HE HAS NOT ASKED FOR ANY GIFT FROM KINGS
The one who will also be in the game will be Jude Bellingham, whom Carlo Ancelotti considers “the best player in the world” for them. “He is doing very well, he has done very well in this first part of the season taking into account his adaptation to our club, to a new culture and a new language,” he warned.
On the other hand, regarding whether he has asked Florentino Pérez for any gift from Kings, he made it clear that he has “a very good relationship” with the president, from whom he has never asked for it “more” than what he has already given him. “He is giving me everything at the level of affection,” confessed the one from Reggiolo.
Finally, he also had words of affection for former player Sergio Ramos. “I wish Sergio to come to the end of his career in the best possible way, and I know that he will because he is a serious professional and a brave man,” he concluded about the one from Camas.