Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Camavinga, Vinicius, Ceballos, Barcelona after Real Madrid 0-0 Real Sociedad
Real Madrid were made to settle for just one point against Real Sociedad on Sunday night as their difficult run of games continued. Once again, the men in white looked far from their fluent best but it would be harsh on them to state that they did not create chances.
Los Blancos endured a difficult night when chances were aplenty but the finishing touch just lacked finesse. Nevertheless, it was never going to be an easy tie against the third-placed team in the league.
Credit where it is due, Alex Remiro had one of his career-best performances against Carlo Ancelotti’s side as he pulled off seven saves including three from inside the box. The harsh result sees Real Madrid move five points behind leaders Barcelona.
Ancelotti spoke to the press after his team’s draw at the Santiago Bernabeu and addressed topics including their performance and the title race. Here are the snippets from his media interaction.
On his team’s performance: “It was one of our best performances this season. It was difficult to make substitutions because everyone was playing so well and I made them in order to bring fresh legs on. We played well from start to finish.”
On their high press: “The way we press from the start, didn’t allow Real Sociedad to play the way they wanted to play. We pressed high and with intensity. We played well with the ball and we worked hard without it.”
On failing to score: “We created a lot of chances to get the goal, but luck wasn’t on our side. That can happen.”
On the title race: “If we get a win on Thursday, we will have picked up more points than we did last year. Barcelona are doing very well, but it’s a long season. It’s been a tough January, but the team has improved a lot in all areas: in attack, defence, the physical side.”
On the upcoming games: “The team is improving and we’ve got some injured players coming back this week. We’re confident about the coming months.”
On Eduardo Camavinga playing at left-back: “I thought he played well. He’s an option that we can use. He has the quality, energy… He links up well with Vini on the wing, creating chances. I’m impressed by his energy, which can also see him play as a full-back. The left-back playing with Vini Jr. has to move inside more than outside and that suits him well.”
On Vinicius’ form: “He put in a good performance and if he’d have scored it would have been amazing. He’s in good shape. He might make mistakes sometimes but he never stops trying.”
On Dani Ceballos: “He’s playing really well and he showed a very high-level today, just as he has in recent games. He’s contributing a lot, particularly in this period where we’re missing some guys and he was ready to step up.”
On Nacho Fernandez: “He had a spell where he didn’t get much playing time and now he’s doing a great job. He always delivers and he’s doing his bit as a right-back. The team worked together defensively and we pressed higher up than usual. That was a positive.”
On Real Sociedad being title contenders: “They compete in every game, but I think it’s a bit early to talk about them fighting to win La Liga.”
On the January transfer window: “It’s closed in every respect, both in terms of exits and players coming in.”
Source: Real Madrid official website
Real Madrid News
Real Madrid star Huijsen credits Mourinho for improved form in new season: ‘He supports me a lot’
Real Madrid will be looking to get back to winning ways in LaLiga as they take on Rayo Vallecano on Saturday.
The club are coming on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Real Betis last weekend but did secure a narrow win over Inter Milan in the midweek Champions League fixture.
Heading into this game, Dean Huijsen, who has been showing a lot of promise in these early parts of the season, spoke to the club’s official media about the match ahead and how Real Madrid have been coping with the pressure early on, among other things.
Huijsen on Rayo and his defensive duties
The young centre-back was fully aware of the threat posed by Rayo and praised the opposition.
“We know that Rayo is a good team, and it’s a tough team to face, and we must give our all as we do in all matches to secure the three points, that’s the only thing that matters, and for the Bernabeu to be with us and for us all to be united,” he said.
He also detailed the defensive demands placed on him by the coaching staff led by Jose Mourinho.
“Well, what every coach asks of you: ferocity, intercepting balls, and winning one-on-one duels. He supports me a lot, and I think this helps me greatly, and defending together as a team,” he said.
On the team’s preparations for the fixture, Huijsen offered an insight into their training routine.
“We’re working on some tactics related to the opponent. And well, after that it depends on the day; we might play a mini-match among ourselves or not,” he added.
Huijsen on Mourinho and his fine form
The Spaniard was quick to credit Mourinho, with whom he previously worked at Roma, for his development and current level.
“We’ve known each other for a while, even though we spent a relatively short time together in Rome. He gave me the opportunity to make the real leap into professional football, and I’ll always be grateful to him for that,” Huijsen said.
Reflecting on his own performances, the defender was in confident mood, once again pointing to the influence of his coach and teammates.
“I think I’m in good shape. Well, I think I’m delivering a good level, and I believe that’s thanks to the coach too, as he keeps track of me and takes great care of me.”
“Well, I’m also doing my very best, and I think the teammates are supporting me too, and this is the perfect equation,” he added.
Finally, Huijsen explained how he manages his recovery amid a congested schedule.
“There are a lot of matches, so we need to recover well and stay focused on football, then you have to sleep well. And yes, on the days after the match, I also take a cold shower and a hot shower to recover better,” he concluded.
