Carlo Ancelotti offered his first press conference in Valdebebas after his renewal until June 2026 in advance of tomorrow's match, Wednesday, at the Bernabéu against Mallorca. Ancelotti assumed that the club is not going to sign any center back in the winter market, he confirmed that Carvajal, Vinícius and Güler are going to be included in the squad. He explained that today he is not contemplating retirement and would not mind continuing in Madrid beyond 2026, "until 2027 or 2028," he said. He again refused to talk about Mbappé and commented that the squad for next season is practically made. Modric, Kroos and Nacho (who are finishing their contract will decide if they want to continue). "And a very good one will come," he clarified in reference to Endrick.
Regarding the center back he was categorical and said it twice: "The center backs are going to be Rüdiger and Nacho. And as an emergency solution we have Tchouaméni and Cavajal, who have already played there. We are not going to bring in another center back, I repeat."
Ancelotti showed his satisfaction with the renewal: "I am very happy with the renewal. It has been quite simple, very quick. It makes me happy to continue for another two years. If the club has chosen to do it now it is because it is probably happy with the work we are doing and he wants to continue. I don't know if it is a success. Success here is winning games and that is what we will try to do with this renewal."
The coach spoke about the offer from the Brazilian Federation: "Everyone knows the reality; I had contacts with the president of the CBF, Ednaldo Rodrigues. And he was aware of the situation I had with Real Madrid. That "This is clear to everyone. I want to thank Basil for his affection, I feel very honored, but in the end things have been as I wanted: to stay here."
And he continued: "The Madrid bench is going to be my last club bench, I confirm that. But I can continue here after 2026. I want to be a coach and I hope I can be one in 2027 and 2028. I like Madrid and I want to stay here. "If Madrid no longer wants me, I don't know if Brazil will want me in 2026 with what has happened," he said, laughing.
Although a few days ago he said that when he returned from the Christmas holidays he would have a starting goalkeeper, he denied it this morning in his appearance: "Tomorrow Lunin is going to play because Kepa is coming down from the flu, but I have not made a final decision because they both make me doubt. It is not correct for either of us for me to say at this moment who the starting goalkeeper is. In each game I am going to choose the goalkeeper who gives me the most confidence."
Then he spoke about three injured players who are returning: Carvajal, Vinícius and Güler: "We cannot compare the three cases. Güler's absence is longer. Carvajal is going to play from the beginning and I have not yet decided with Vinícius. I have to talk about it "with the player and with the doctors. In training he has shown that he is very, very well." Then Ancelotti commented that "if I can tomorrow I will give minutes to Güler." Camavinga is expected for the Spanish Super Cup next week in Arabia.
The coach ended by talking about the future of the squad: "There are players who are finishing their contract and who will choose themselves what they want to do: Kroos, Nacho, Modric... The future is already outlined. There are not many things to do. Now it is very soon. We are not thinking about what is going to happen in the summer of 2024. We do not have to do many things because the team is in a very good direction with very important young people and another who will arrive who is very good." (Endrick). Not a word from Mbappé. He was asked and refused to answer.
