Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room very seriously and it was difficult for him to get a smile. The Real Madrid coach, more than highlighting the Bellingham game, valued the change in attitude of his team in the second half. The Italian explained that at half-time he had told his players that "they could lose but not like this. Because of what they did in the second half, I think they agreed. In the second half the attitude changed."
The coach explained it like this: "Sometimes it happens that you don't play the way you want. It can happen and it has happened. It was a forgettable first half. The second was better. We were much more forceful," he added.
Ancelotti praised Jude Bellingham's performance: "Everyone is surprised by his level. He always tries. Today the shot caught our attention. He scored a wonderful goal from the edge of the area. He is a player who makes a huge difference."
And he continued: "Jude seems like a veteran. His attitude is very good. There was no need to draw, we had to win, and the draw changed everything." Asked how many goals he can reach this season, he said: "20 or 25 goals can be reached perfectly, but we don't have in mind that he is a forward. He is an important player for us who is scoring a lot, but we are waiting for Rodrygo and Vinicius." .
He also commented in one of his few smiles that he did not know where the Englishman could be in the classification of the Ballon d'Or that is awarded this Monday.
Ancelotti also spoke about Vinícius: "I told him to stop only if the referee whistled. He tried several times, especially in the second half. He met Araújo, who is a very good marker."
The Madrid coach continues to consider that this match is not decisive: "This is a very difficult field. We have played a lot away from home in complicated stadiums, like this one, San Mamés, the Metropolitano and the Pizjuán. The schedule has demanded of us and we "We have done very well. We are leaders, but the season is very long for everyone. We have to fight until the end."
Finally, Ancelotti praised the referee, Gil Manzano: "If we don't talk about the referee, it means that he did very well. He acted very well. He was very calm and calm. It was an intense match, but correct. That's how they have to be these parties. Respect continues on both sides."
