Real Madrid News
Ancelotti hails midfield star after Real Madrid 3-0 Braga: “He should have more minutes”
The return fixture against SC Braga did not create many problems for Real Madrid. With the home advantage on their side, they took all three points and assured themselves of qualification to the next round of the UEFA Champions League.
Vinicius Jr, Rodrygo Goes and Brahim Diaz were all on point for the Merengues as they put three past the Portuguese side.
Speaking to the press after his team’s win and guaranteed berth in the Round of 16, Carlo Ancelotti elaborated on a number of topics including the key performers, injured stars, and the Champions League.
He began by emphasising the importance of the team’s run in the competition so far, saying”
“Real Madrid have done better than others in this competition. It is not so easy to always pass the group stage and in these first four games, we have done well at home and away. We are very happy to be in the round of 16.”
“It’s a special competition for us and Real Madrid have built its history in this competition. Each game is very special and we are not going to rest in the next two because they all have the same requirement: to show our best level,” he added on Real Madrid’s legacy in the competition.
It was a special night for Brahim Diaz who received his second start of the season against Braga. Slotting in for Jude Bellingham in the attacking midfield, he even scored Real Madrid’s opener on the night.
“He has played a game in which he has shown great quality and defensive sacrifice. He has done things very well. In the position in which he has played today, Bellingham usually plays and today he has replaced him very well,” Ancelotti said on the Spanish phenom.
“It may have been unfair to him. It’s obvious that he should have more minutes. His best position is where he played today,” he added on Diaz’s relative lack of minutes.
It was also a memorable game for Ancelotti, who on the night, became the manager with the most wins in the history of the UCL. Speaking on his accomplishments, he said:
“It is a great honour to reach this number of victories in this competition.”
The manager’s attention then shifted to Vinicius Jr who played a big part in Wednesday’s win. The Brazilian racked up a goal and an assist in addition to a staggering seven key passes.
“The first half left some doubts because he could be more effective, but the second half has been spectacular. What he and Rodrygo have done in the second part you have to look at it carefully because they have made spectacular combinations. The counter that the two do, there are not many duos who can do it.”
Ancelotti then elaborated on the other Brazilian who shone brightly against Braga, Rodrygo Goes.
“There are forwards who score in all the matches and others who live on moments. You can only support them and give them confidence. A player of his characteristics before or after will score because he has an extraordinary quality. It’s a matter of time.”
As the manager of Real Madrid, it is close to impossible to do justice to every player in terms of game-time. After all, the names on the bench are no less stars than those who shine on the field.
“I am the coach and I act as a coach. Players have to evaluate this well. I do the job of coaching and the players should not be wrong in this regard,” Ancelotti stressed on the difficult decisions he has to take.
“I put the player on the bench, but not the person. I have an extraordinary relationship with everyone. They respect me a lot and I try to respect them all as people,” he added.
Arda Guler was expected to make his Real Madrid debut last night, but it was not to be as the club are taking the cautious route with him. Ancelotti commented on the Turkish phenom and his expected availability.
“We are being careful with him. He trains with the team after a long injury and will have his minutes when he is at 100%.”
Kepa Arrizabalaga withdrew from the starting lineup due to a late injury issue, with Andriy Lunin taking his place on the field. Speaking about the change in goalkeeper, Ancelotti commented:
“He had discomfort in the warm-up and was not comfortable to play. We put Lunin, who has helped us win this game. He made a decisive stop on the penalty and has played a full game.”
“This means, adding the match of Brahim and that of Lucas Vázquez, that the squad is very healthy and that we can fight in all competitions,” he added.
Finally, the Italian gaffer concluded his press conference by commenting on Gerard Pique’s words about Real Madrid’s 14th UCL title.
“He lives in his world, which is not that of Real Madrid, and I can assure you that there is not a single Real Madrid player who forgets the 14th. It is a Champions League that will be remembered for life.”
Source: Real Madrid website
Real Madrid News
Mourinho reacts to Vinicius suspension: “Why announce it two hours before an important match?”
Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho has questioned the RFEF Disciplinary Committee’s decision to announce Vinicius Jr.’s four-match suspension just hours before their UEFA Champions League meeting with AS Roma on Wednesday.
The Brazilian has been hit with a four-match ban for his red card against Villarreal, meaning he will miss the matches against Sevilla, Barcelona, Racing Santander, and Valencia.
And, speaking to Movistar+ (h/t MARCA) before the match, the Real Madrid manager was asked whether the punishment could affect the Brazilian psychologically.
Mourinho instead turned his attention to the football authorities and the timing of their announcement.
“I think that is a question for the Committee. Why have they announced the suspension at this particular moment? If you are asking me this question, it is presumably because you think it could affect him,” the Portuguese coach replied.
“You should ask the Committee why they did not announce it this morning, or tomorrow morning. Why do they do it two hours before a match that is important for Real Madrid, which is a Spanish club?” he added, questioning the timing of the decision.
Mourinho explains his tactical approach against Roma
The Real Madrid manager also outlined his plan for facing a Roma side known for their aggressive pressing.
“My intention is to stop them from pressing us so high up the pitch, given the players we have available and as a precaution,” he said.
Continuing, the Portuguese manager added: “They press man-to-man higher up the pitch better than anyone else, and we will see whether we can take advantage of that. If not, they will have to drop their press five or ten metres.”
Why Rudiger over Huijsen
Mourinho also justified his decision to start Antonio Rudiger at centre-back alongside Ibrahima Konate rather than Dean Huijsen.
“They played very well together in the last match, Rudiger and Konate, showing great leadership and the ability to withstand a difficult situation when we had ten men for 30 minutes,” he said.
“I am not saying Dean is not capable of playing a match like this, but this is a wonderful atmosphere for Roma and a difficult one for us. I think a player with Antonio’s experience can be important,” Mourinho added.
Finally, Mourinho was asked about his emotions ahead of returning to face Roma, the club he managed between 2021 and 2024.
The Portuguese coach offered a brief response, saying that he had his feelings about the occasion “blocked”.
