Real Madrid needs a point tomorrow, Tuesday, in Leipzig to mathematically secure first place in the group, although they are already qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League. The white team arrived in Germany today and Carlo Ancelotti has left three undisputed starters in Spain for different reasons: Benzema, Valverde and Modric, all three due to physical discomfort. At the qualifying press conference, Carlo Ancelotti complained about the abundance of games in this part of the season: "It's been a very intense few months, with too many games, in my opinion, but we're holding up well," he said.
Ancelotti is clear that the only possible objective tomorrow, Tuesday, is to add that point that they lack: "We have to play a good game and forget about the group stage. Tomorrow is an opportunity to do so," he said.
The Italian coach believes that there is no danger of relaxation in his players or fear of the possibility of an injury that risks missing a World Cup that starts in a few weeks; "Injuries exist in the world of football. If you don't want to get injured, stay on the couch. You can get injured in training, in contact with a teammate... For now, everyone wants to train. If someone tells me they're afraid, to stay at home on the sofa watching a series or a movie, there are many good ones".
For Ancelotti, the World Cup is just an extra motivation for his players: "They want to get to the World Cup well. And you get there well if you have continuity. Those who haven't come have been due to minor inconveniences and we don't want to risk it. I prefer to lose Modric or Benzema for a party that not for a month". He then pointed out that everyone will be there to welcome Girona on Sunday, including Dani Ceballos, the longest injured.
Ancelotti confirmed that Vinícius will start "because I don't see him tired". He also had good words for Asensio, who has played little this season: "I ask Asensio to be professional, to be serious and endure the difficult moment. This is what Asensio and all those who play less are doing. Some of those who play less go to play tomorrow and they are going to give their contribution to the team", he commented.
Asked Ancelotti if the three remaining league games before the World Cup were more important than the two remaining in the Champions League group stage (the team is already qualified), he denied it: "At this club all games are important. There is little left for the World Cup and we have to try to win to be first in the Champions League and be in a good position for LaLiga".
Before Carlo Ancelotti spoke Antonio Rüdiger, who took stock of the months he has been at Real Madrid: "I am satisfied with my performance. Looking ahead to the World Cup, I feel on a good run. I don't have to play every game because we have a large squad and of great quality. I feel like a 10 out of 10," he said.
Rüdiger spoke of the rival, Leipzig: "It's a young team, with enormous potential. I know Werner well, I started playing with him. I hope he shows how good he is, but in the World Cup, not tomorrow." He then praised Vinícius: "Vinicius is like a little brother. He helps me speak Spanish and as a player he has enormous potential and he shows it game by game. He is constant, he helps the team... and I think that in the future he can win the Golden Ball".
