As Real Madrid gears up to face Liverpool in a pivotal UEFA Champions League encounter, manager Carlo Ancelotti shared his thoughts in a comprehensive pre-match press conference.

The Italian offered his thoughts on several fresh injuries while also clarifying the return of key players such as Lucas Vazquez.

Ancelotti started out by stating that he expects a competitive game between two historic and successful teams in Europe.

“Tomorrow, 21 Champions League matches will be played on the pitch. It will be very entertaining.

“We are two historic clubs. We each have our own characteristics and we will see who imposes them. Liverpool is always very competitive. It was with Klopp, it is with the new coach,” he said.

Ancelotti on Vinicius’ injury

Vinicius’ injury was a big blow for Real Madrid heading into the Liverpool game, with the Brazilian reportedly ruled out for three weeks.

When asked about Vinicius’s injury, Ancelotti remarked, “At the end of the match. It’s not so important when, but that he got injured. What matters is that he recovers quickly and think about the players who will replace him.”

Ancelotti on player rotation

Addressing whether it’s better to rotate players earlier, Ancelotti stated, “I listen to a lot of advice, but I’ve played 1,300 games, made 1,300 line-ups and made almost 4,000 changes. Nobody can give me advice in this regard.”

Ancelotti expressed confidence in the team’s current form, saying, “The team is doing well. We have improved, we are more solid.

“Now we have a very demanding team in front of us. It is a great opportunity to get back to our best level. I am totally confident that it will be a great match. We will be competitive.”

Ancelotti on Lucas’ return

Regarding Lucas Vazquez’s readiness to start, Ancelotti mentioned, “Valverde did very well, I had no doubts. But it was an emergency and Lucas is back. He has felt good. It is an option. I can choose (between both).”

The Real Madrid coach went on to discuss injuries in general. Ancelotti, in particular, has been a victim of relentless injuries to key players this season, which has deeply impacted the team’s performances.

“In three months, Madrid has had 11 muscle injuries. Is there anything else? Yes, but we have also had seven defeats. Avoiding this is complicated. It is difficult, because it is not only Madrid’s problem, but also other teams’.

“Each team handles these things in their own way, but what does not change are the injuries. We have to put up with this.

“We have to think like last year, that injuries are an opportunity to be better. It is no coincidence that the injuries of Lucas, Militao, and Rodrygo have changed the dynamic of the team,” he said.

Ancelotti also delved deep on the topic of players’ professionalism, especially when it comes to reporting injuries.

“The player is professional and serious and he is not going to take any risks. We value those who returned from the national team and Vinicius, like Valverde, were in good shape and that’s it.

“Then, sometimes it happens that the player gets injured. Why? We already know. Because there are too many games,” he stated.

Ancelotti Champions League format

With six points in four matches, Real Madrid are in a state of bother and could miss out on a top eight finish if they lose against Liverpool.

On the new format of the competition, Ancelotti shared, “I think we have to wait, it’s a bit different from the others. Talking about tomorrow’s game, it will be a great match. It’s important. We have to get points.

“In the games that come down to the wire we have to get as many points as possible. I don’t know if we can get to the top eight, because we’ve already lost two, but we have to get as many points as possible.”

Answering if they are candidates to win the Champions League, Ancelotti offered a rather diplomatic response.

“Every victory gives you more confidence. Liverpool are doing very well in the competition, but we are back and we hope to do well. With a strong line-up. The end of the season is a long way off,” he said.

Personal Connection to Liverpool and Everton:

When asked about playing against Liverpool due to his past with Everton, Ancelotti responded, “Sorry, but I can’t talk about Alexander-Arnold, he’s not my player. I always treat Everton with great respect and I remain a blue.”

Discussing how the team has managed to avoid opposition transitions, Ancelotti said, “He has been able to avoid the opposition’s transitions and the team has improved. Where is the key?

“The difference is that we were able to play more compactly, more solidly. That was the key and will be the same tomorrow.”

Ancelotti on Raul Asencio

Finally, Ancelotti backed youngster Raul Asencio to play against Liverpool, claiming that the player is ready for the big match.

“I see him well, with personality. Always very good, focused. He did very well in the last two games and I am convinced that he will do well tomorrow as well,” he concluded.

Source: Diario AS