Ancelotti: “Without the ball you have to do more, press more …”

Carlo Ancelotti was happy before the microphones of Movistar LaLiga and Real Madrid Tv for the victory against Betis. However, he did not miss the opportunity to demand more application from his teammates in defensive tasks.

Happy. “In the second half we were better, it was not a spectacular game but a clean sheet, what we wanted, we are happy.”

Defensive problems “Without the ball, you have to do more, press more. Alaba has been very good when we played with the high line. It's just a work problem. The first part was complicated, because we defended with little intensity. This is an issue that we have to work on, because this team has the energy to push higher ”.

Vinicius. “His streak was good and then Hazard came into the game, I think he did well.”

Carvajal. “Dani is a fundamental piece, he is not alone, but his character is very strong, if we talk about intensity we have to follow his example”.

How have you seen the team in defense and at set pieces ?: “We did well because we have worked together. In the second half we went 4-4-2 to have more control of the game. Defensively we have done well ”.

How did you see the last stop of Courtois ?: “We were lucky that Courtois made a good save.”

What are you looking for in the last quarter of an hour ?: “The 4-4-2 allows us to better cover the field in defense. We haven't worked on it much. Miguel's injury has complicated us because I have put in another striker, Rodrygo, who is not used to this system but he has also worked a lot ”.

Subsequently, the Madrid coach analyzed the meeting in the press room before the media.

What has the team lacked to make the game more orderly? Does it seem a lack of respect for PSG that does not respond to the offer for Mbappé ?: “We talk about the best game. The rest is a matter of the club that is working and I do not know the details. We have worked the game quite well. A little more defensive intensity was lacking in the first half. We controlled the game in the first half, but I think it can be played with more intensity ”.

Has it been difficult for Benzema to associate because he lacked control of the game ?: “The first part of the game was more even. We were not able to win the ball up. Karim has suffered this. The team was not fast with the ball. But it has made a difference as always. He has given a magnificent assistance to Carvajal ”.

Calls for South American internationals. Will they be able to arrive? He's busy?: “This is a bit of a weird business. There have always been national team matches. In this break, I think the players arrive on Saturday morning. It seems impossible to me that they can play. It is not only the problem of Real Madrid, but of many teams ”.

In normal conditions, where do you like Alaba the most, as a center back or as a winger ?: “From central”.

What balance do you make of these three games ?: “There are many things that we have to improve. I think the balance is positive. We had a somewhat particular preseason, with many players who were late. I think the team has played quite vertical. We have to do the defensive part with more intensity ”.