Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Alaba, Rudiger, Ceballos, Asensio, Benzema following 1-0 loss vs Barcelona
Barcelona got the better of Real Madrid earlier today aided by a wonder strike from Raphinha. The Clasico may have been a friendly game, but there was no love lost between the two sides at Allegiant Arena.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was interviewed by the media after his side’s second consecutive Clasico defeat and spoke about the shortcomings, situations of specific players and a lot more.
Here are the quotes from his post-match interview as relayed by the club’s official twitter handle.
Real Madrid’s defence saw players exchanging positions throughout the game, especially at left-back. The manager was first asked about the roles of David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger on the night, to which he replied,
“The idea was for Alaba and Rüdiger to change positions during the match and they will do so.”
Dani Ceballos and Marco Asensio have not been handed extensions and seem set to leave the club. Ancelotti took a neutral stance on their renewal.
“You have to ask Ceballos and Asensio if it is better for them to leave, and the club if they will be offered the renewal.”
He then confirmed Alaba’s role in the team for the coming season by saying,
“Alaba will only play left-back when necessary.”
Karim Benzema’s absence cost Los Blancos the game, for Real Madrid looked clueless in the final third against Barcelona. Ancelotti acknowledged that the Frenchman’s absence was a decisive factor.
“Benzema is back for the next game. He is the best player in the world, you can say that when he doesn’t play, we miss something.”
Ancelotti then indirectly hinted that the squad lacked depth in the forward positions by saying,
“We lacked quality in attack.”
Real Madrid faces Juventus in their next preseason game. Concerning that, the coach made a massive revelation.
“The team that will start vs Juventus, will start in the UEFA Super Cup.”
When asked about where the team fell short in El Clasico, Ancelotti pointed at two specific details- control and lack of finishing.
“I thought we defended well, but we missed something in the attack. We improved on the ball in the second half, more control.”
Finally, the manager spoke about starting a young midfield over the veteran trio and hinted that he will rely on youngsters more this season.
“It’s clear that when you bring in Casemiro, Kroos and Modrić it’s easier, but I wanted to use the youngsters. They have played very well defensively, but it was the first time they played together.”
Real Madrid News
Inter Milan boss Chivu praises Mourinho ahead of Real Madrid showdown: ‘A special person’
Inter Milan head coach Cristian Chivu has described Jose Mourinho as “a special person” ahead of Tuesday’s UEFA Champions League meeting with Real Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The Romanian spent two seasons playing under Mourinho at Inter between 2008 and 2010, a period that culminated in the club winning the Champions League at the very same stadium in 2010.
A serial winner
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Chivu reflected warmly on his former manager.
“He’s a special person who I was lucky enough to meet in my life. He gave me important help during a difficult period of my life, and I’ll never forget that,” Chivu said, as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.
Chivu also praised Mourinho’s ability to influence the teams he manages and instil his mentality in his players.
“He’s very good at immersing himself in the reality of the team he represents and transmitting his mentality. He’s a winner who knows how to communicate things at the right moment. Very few people know how to do that like he does,” he said.
“He has won everywhere he has been, and I’m sure Real Madrid will have a great season.”
Despite his admiration for Mourinho, Chivu insisted that the Portuguese has not served as a template for his own coaching career.
Asked whether he takes inspiration from his former manager, the Inter boss replied: “I’ve never copied anyone. I have my own idea of football, which has been built through my years as a player and as a coach.”
Chivu assesses Mourinho’s Real Madrid
Chivu believes it is still too early to draw firm conclusions about Mourinho’s return to Real Madrid.
“It’s still very early. It has been a fairly balanced start, although they lost their last match undeservedly because they played very well,” he said.
“They’re a team with a great history and a coach who knows how to do things.”
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone”
With Mourinho in the dugout and Chivu in defence, Inter defeated Bayern Munich in the 2010 Champions League final at the Santiago Bernabeu.
The now-Inter manager believes returning to the stadium where they lifted the trophy 16 years ago will provide a special occasion, although he knows the challenge facing his team.
“The stadium has been renovated and it’s even more beautiful. It has a great tradition and today it’s more beautiful and more modern. We like playing a Champions League match in this stadium,” he said.
“Playing at the Bernabeu is not easy for anyone. Inter haven’t won here for 60 years. We’ll do everything possible and we want to show that we’re competitive and that we have the desire to dominate.
“There’s no perfect way to play against Real Madrid because they have players who can make the difference regardless of the plan you have.”
Inter arrive in Madrid after recovering from a difficult game against Napoli, while Chivu prepares to face the coach who played such an important role in his career.
