MADRID, 25 Abr. (EUROPA PRESS) –
The coach of Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti, warned this Thursday that “there are seven points missing” to be declared champions that they must achieve “as soon as possible”, also to “maintain the good dynamic” and “prepare well” for the Champions League semi-finals against the Bayern Munich, at the same time describing the continuity of Xavi Hernández at FC Barcelona as a “correct decision”.
“We are missing seven points to have the math of winning (the LaLiga title), we have to do it as soon as possible. It will be a complicated match against Real Sociedad, as it always has been. We will try to do our best to try to win,” he started Ancelotti at the press conference prior to the match this Friday (9:00 p.m.) against the San Sebastian team.
The Italian repeated on more than one occasion that his team must “fight” to lift the title “until mathematics” certifies it. “The dynamic is very good and to maintain it, and also to prepare well for the next Champions League games, it is important to try to compete and get the most out of it, winning is the best. Tomorrow’s game is the same, you have to compete, fight and try win,” he reiterated, also thinking about the first leg of the continental ‘semi’ next Tuesday against Bayern.
The whites go into the match at the Reale Arena with an 11-point advantage over Barça after winning the Clásico, punctuated by some controversial plays for which the Catalan club warned that it could ask for a repeat of the match. However, Ancelotti did not value these “opinions.” “Everyone has noticed these statements, I have nothing to add. The words are carried away by the wind,” he reflected.
Thus, he applauded the “correct decision” made by FC Barcelona to continue trusting in Xavi Hernández on the bench. “He has done a good job and knows the club very well. We also have to respect changes of opinion, nothing happens, nothing is written. How many times have I changed my mind, many times in my career. Changing my mind is legal , it is allowed,” he said.
“We have such good feelings at this moment that everything that happens around us – controversy – does not affect us at all. We are very happy, we have the hope of finishing this season in a fantastic way,” he added about all the statements that caused the 3 -2 in the Classic.
The next step for Real Madrid is Real Sociedad, a match for which Ancelotti has to “think carefully about the lineup”, since there are players with “wear and tear” who “have not yet recovered 100%”, after the demanding matches against Manchester City and Barça.
“Bellingham had a stomach problem tonight and Rodrygo has the flu. I think they will be available for tomorrow, hopefully they can travel. Mendy is not going to travel, that’s fine, but I prefer him to stay here to work to be ready for the Champions League match,” he updated the physical state of the squad.
Ancelotti will be able to count on Éder Militao who “is still not at 100%” after his torn cruciate ligament, although “his level has improved.” “He lacks playing time, he may start against Real or he may not,” said the Italian coach, who praised Vinícius Júnior’s ability to adapt to playing in the center.
“The best characteristic that Vinícius has is his continuity in the game. I think he still has more room for improvement near the area, in movements without the ball, and I think he will improve because he has the humility necessary for it,” he praised, before to confess that the Ballon d’Or would be given to Bellingham and the Brazilian winger.
Finally, Ancelotti anticipated a greater role for Turkish playmaker Arda Güler, who “is fine” and “has been available for a long time.” “He hasn’t had opportunities because they have been very demanding games and changing when the team is good is more complicated. Probably, he hasn’t had the minutes he deserved for his work, attitude and commitment. He can play at any time,” he concluded.