The long-term injury to Thibaut Courtois has left Real Madrid in shock, but Carlo Ancelotti's response is not to sign at full speed but to give full confidence to Andrei Lunin, a goalkeeper whom the club wanted to sell this summer. "The confidence in Lunin is total. We have all the confidence in the world in him. Even if we sign another goalkeeper, it will be to make a number, because the season is very long, but the starter will continue to be Lunin. The only thing he lacks is experience and now He's going to have games", said the coach in the preview of tomorrow's game, in the league debut against Athletic in San Mamés.
The Italian spoke about Courtois' mishap, a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee: "Yesterday was not a good day emotionally and on a personal level we are sad. Courtois is one of our important players, but these things usually happen in football. We wish a speedy recovery."
Regarding a possible signing, Ancelotti was cautious: "We have time until August 31. Behind Lunin the goalkeepers have potential, but they are young. We'll think about it. Fran González (he's the youth goalkeeper, not Castilla) He is 17 years old and if we sign we will do it by number, because we have confidence in Lunin".
Ancelotti once again took it for granted that Kylian Mbappé will not come this summer. Asked if he would like to have another nine apart from Joselu, he commented: "I think not. I am satisfied with the squad I have. I have seen something very good in the squad. The team is connected, with enthusiasm and commitment".
And he continued: "In the preseason we have scored many goals and had chances: our problem has been defensive, but not due to a lack of quality, that does not worry me. And up front we have only lacked success in the shot. The striker still hasn't It's cool in summer, but up top we're very good, we have options. Joselu is very good in the area and Brahim between the lines can provide solutions".
The Italian maintained that there will not be a single system: "I think this preseason has shown that you can play in a different way. We have almost always used diamonds, things have gone well, we have to work on the defensive profile. There will not be a single system We can also use 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 with two pivots, I'm not betting on a single system".
Ancelotti also spoke about the meeting that the League coaches had this week with the referees of the competition: "It was a positive meeting. They explained the new rules, added time. One per goal scored. There will be more time and you have to get used to it. The racism protocol is clear, it has to be. The referees have understood it. Also that they used the VAR too much last season, we agree that they should enter into discussions less. The referee is a judge and does not have to interfere in discussions between the players or the benches. If the referee hears insults he has to stop the game. I hope it doesn't happen, but it can happen. Vinícius is fine".
The coach also spoke about Bellingham and Arda Güler. Of the English he said that "although he can play inside he is more dangerous as a midfielder". He said of the Turkish player that "he will have to undergo surgery but the return time will be short. I cannot go into details for privacy reasons."
