Real Madrid News
Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Guler, Kroos, Modric, Valverde ahead of Real Madrid vs Villarreal
Ahead of the much-anticipated match against Villarreal, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, sharing insights about his team, the upcoming game, and key players.
Ancelotti began by praising Villarreal for their strong performances this season, highlighting their impressive work. He expressed excitement about returning to league play and the importance of delivering an entertaining show for the fans.
“They are doing very well, excellent work. We are looking forward to reconnecting and playing good football in front of our fans,” the manager began by saying as quoted by AS.
He also acknowledged the need for Real Madrid to regain their rhythm and play effective football after a disappointing defeat against Lille. The manager noted that while losing is never pleasant, it can serve as a reminder to refocus and improve.
“Nothing happens, nothing changes. We have to reconnect and we have to do it soon and quickly. Nobody likes to lose but a defeat can bring you back to reality.”
Reflecting on the criticism following the recent loss, Ancelotti emphasized the necessity for the team to reconnect and elevate their game quickly. He admitted that the squad has not reached their full potential yet, but they are getting close.
“We are not up to par but we are close to it. It is normal and we have to be patient. There is a lack of intensity in front and back and in the circulation of the ball.
“This defeat is an opportunity if we take advantage of it and react well. There has been self-criticism,” he added.
Why is Guler not playing
Regarding Arda Guler, Ancelotti mentioned that the young talent is finding it challenging to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup due to the stiff competition within the squad.
“He plays very little because he has competition and it is not easy to find a place for him. He is having more prominence than last year.”
Furthermore, when discussing Kylian Mbappe, Ancelotti confirmed that the French superstar had experienced an issue that appears to have been resolved, allowing him to return to normal training.
He clarified that he does not interfere with decisions made by national team coaches, but he acknowledged that the medical staff had discussed Mbappé’s situation with coach Didier Deschamps.
“He had a problem that seems to have been resolved. He has trained normally. I don’t get involved in what the national coaches do.
“Yes, the medical staff have spoken and have made this decision”
Madrid missing Kroos?
Ancelotti also addressed the absence of Toni Kroos, stating that Real Madrid has sufficient talent in midfield with players like Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga.
“No [we are not missing Kroos]. Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga… they all have touch. There is a lot of variety. Nothing is missing.”
In the locker room, discussions have centred around the importance of quicker ball movement towards the forwards and enhancing defensive intensity.
Ancelotti reiterated that if the team faces another loss, they would reflect on the performance, but highlighted their impressive record of 40 matches unbeaten in the league.
“I repeat, we have talked about the need to pass the ball to the forwards more quickly and that we lack defensive intensity.
If we lose again, we will talk about that, but we have a 40-match unbeaten run in the League, if we lose we will be sad but we will look for solutions.”
Finally, he acknowledged the historical significance of Villarreal being the last team to win at Santiago Bernabeu.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti emphasized the need for his players to raise their intensity levels and maintain their commitment to playing their usual style of football against a strong opponent.
“We will try to play as we always do, taking into account the good form of the opposing team, but we want to put in a lot more intensity,” he concluded.
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.
