The Italian Carlo Ancelotti once again showed off the experience that characterizes him to weather the Mbappé case with absolute discretion. There were four questions that the Real Madrid coach received about the unofficial announcement that the French player will leave PSG this coming summer. He responded to all of them with evasions. “Do you see me worried? Affected? Well, the next press conferences will be like this,” he snapped.
“I see and hear,” he conceded, “I understand perfectly that it is the topic of the day for you, but not for us, it is tomorrow's game. People can talk. I would like to finish this season well, try to win titles, that's what I like. There is enough time to think about next season,” she added. “In the locker room what has been discussed are videos of Rayo,” the Italian concluded.
Regarding the constant substitutions of Luka Modric, Ancelotti praised the attitude of the veteran midfielder. “I have talked about this topic many times with you and with him, once. Enough. Obviously for someone used to playing almost every game, or all of them, well it's hard, it's difficult for him to sit on the bench. I respect and understand it perfectly. But his behavior is very professional, serious, training, fighting,” he explained.
Regarding this Sunday's duel, he stated that "Vallecas is always complicated." "It has been in past years. The game is going to be the same, complicated, against a rival that needs points, who has changed coaches this week, who has extra motivation... We have to bring out our best level because these are moments important things of the season," he said. "We are aware that it is an important and vital match for our season," he continued.
In addition, he also valued Brazilian Rodrygo's defensive effort positively. "I value the defensive work of our forwards a lot. Usually, the player who has the most quality is the one who runs the least, and this is not the case with Rodrygo. In recent games, the work of the forwards has been very important to have the clean sheet," he stressed.
He also praised the work of Frenchman Aurélien Tchouaméni as a center back. "When the center backs return, the role will not be as a center back, but as a pivot. He is showing that he can contribute as a center back perfectly, he is getting used to his new role very quickly, and this shows that he is very intelligent," he said.
Real Madrid seeks to extend the streak of 18 days without losing in the League that has boosted the team led in Vallecas against Rayo, who has accumulated five games without a win and has not won at home since mid-September, when they overcame to Alavés
Finally, he explained that the Turkish Arda Güler is available, but asks for "patience" for him. "He is fine at the moment. He can play from the beginning, because his physical level is good, but he has to fight with the competition in the team. You have to be patient with him," he concluded.
