Two goals and one assist for Jude Bellingham guaranteed Real Madrid a dominant 3-1 win over Almeria on Saturday night. 

Los Blancos went down early to former Castilla star Sergio Arribas’ goal but hit back strong in the period that followed to register a comeback. While Bellingham scored the equaliser and the team’s second, it was Vinicius Jr who netted the final goal on the night.

Speaking to the media after his team’s convincing 3-1 win over Almeria, Carlo Ancelotti spoke highly of Jude Bellingham and his adaptation to Real Madrid’s style.

“Bellingham has settled in so well thanks to his maturity and his personality, as well as the fact he’s been in Germany for the last three years. These are elements that have really helped him adapt well to La Liga and to our style. He’s in great shape.”

Providing an overview of the entire game that unfolded against Vincente Moreno’s side, Ancelotti spoke in depth about Almeria’s opener and how Real Madrid pulled back the deficit.

“They caught us out with their first counter-attack, it was pretty much perfect. We could have dealt with it better but sometimes you have to give credit to their quality up top, it was a fantastic move and they got the goal. We didn’t lose control and gradually worked our way into the game.”

“We had a lot of chances and moved around really well, there are no fixed positions. That helps to make life tough for the opposition defensively. We have great variety and that helps us create chances.”

When asked to comment on the formation and system deployed on the night, Ancelotti admitted that there was no single dynamic that encompassed Real Madrid’s versatile performance. He also spoke on the pros and cons of the 4-4-2 system.

“There is no fixed system at the moment. We started out with a low block and then when Modrić and Camavinga came on, we played with two banks of four and felt comfortable.”

“From a defensive perspective you struggle to control the flanks a bit more but going forward, this system gives you all sorts of options,” he added.

The manager went on to praise Andriy Lunin and provide an update on the participation of Kepa Arrizabalaga.

“Lunin has played very well, like the game in Bilbao. We have confidence, the same as with Kepa. Sooner or later he will have to play, it may be the next game.”

Speaking about the role of veterans in the team’s performance, Ancelotti showered praise on Toni Kroos and Luka Modric. Yet, he admitted that the duo would play less this campaign.

“Kroos has played a very good game with the ball, he has had a lot of control. When Modrić entered, he also handled the ball and the times of the game very well.”

“The protagonism will be the same, but they may play a few minutes less. I don’t know,” he added.

The Italian gaffer then went on to comment on the performance of players in the final third. He specifically mentioned that he had not set any goal targets for Vinicius Jr and highlighted the role of different players.

“I haven’t challenged anyone. They are doing well because the mobility they have is good for us to create opportunities. They will continue like this, obviously.”

“In some games, there may be fewer chances, but the bench is well covered with Joselu, who has other characteristics. His presence in the penalty area is going to be very important.”

The coach then revealed his discussions with Vinicius Jr and the specific areas he felt the Brazilian forward had to be more cautious about.

“We discussed him giving the ball away needlessly in the box. Nothing special. I don’t want to stifle his creative streak but sometimes he takes risks and I get a bit angry. But I can tell you I get excited by watching him play far more often than he makes me angry.”

Ancelotti took a firm stance against cameras entering the dressing room as part of his post-match press conference. He went as far as to put his salary on the line for the same.

“The cameras don’t come in because we have the right to stop it. If they force us to let them in, I’d give up my wages to make sure we keep them out.”

Finally, the manager was asked to voice out his views on playing in the high temperature, to which he said,

“We’re fairly used to it. We don’t have any advantage or disadvantage, it’s the same for all the teams and we dealt with it well. It was an intense game, with lots of end-to-end. Almería put in a really good performance. We’re a bit fatigued but nothing more.”

Source: Real Madrid website