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REAL MADRID

Ancelotti speaks ahead of Real Madrid-Celta Vigo clash

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti fielded questions from reporters at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's return to the Santiago Bernabéu, where they will play Celta Vigo on Sunday.

MadridUpdate:
Carlo Ancelotti with Eduardo Camavinga.
REAL MADRIDDIARIO AS

Pressure from the Bernabéu on some players: “The demand of the Madrid fans is clear: they want to see motivated players, who give their all on the pitch. Hazard, Bale ... if they give their all on the pitch they can stay calm, the whole squad knows what the Real Madrid fan demands.”

Gareth Bale’s reception at the Bernabéu: "Bale's start to the season was good. He trained well. He has to continue, he is not yet at his best level. He must improve. He is available, whether he plays or not depends on a fitness matter because I have to evaluate those who have played during the international break.”

How is Toni Kroos?: "His situation is improving. We are not in a hurry. The most important thing is that he recovers as well as possible. I am not saying it will be soon, but he is much better. I think he will return soon, it is a problem that is being solved and we want to do it little by little, without any rush.”

How do you see the squad?: "The competition in the middle of the field is huge because I have top midfielders. I have midfielders among the best in the world, I have no problem saying that. Casemiro, Kroos, Modric ... it says everything. Valverde, Camavinga, Isco, Ceballos who is recovering. They must be patient, I cannot put everyone on the field. I have no problem leaving one or the other on the bench, the important thing is that they accept the situation because there is great competition."

Mariano's decision to stay: "Mariano asked to leave at the end of the transfer market, but he didn't a club and he’s stayed. He is eager, motivated and fights. It is the only way to find a space in this team. He has the same opportunity as others. The important thing is motivation, desire and commitment.”

On the returning Brazilians: "I think there is a problem that needs to be solved, as I have said. It is vital that you think about preserving the players as much as possible. In this sense, sometimes not playing a game can be a good thing because at the moment the players are playing too much. This issue needs to be fixed soon.”

Eden Hazard, undisputed starter status: "He has played good games with Belgium, he is once again the Hazard we all know. I am happy, I am excited and certain that he will return to his best form.”

Disappointment over Mbappé: "No, no disappointment. Of course he is a great player, he has stayed at PSG. We wish him good luck and we are focusing on our squad and our players. We have a very strong squad that can do many things this year."

Casemiro: "They (returning Brazilians) came back yesterday, they trained a little and we have to wait for the next training session. They have no problem playing. I will talk to them and if any of them are tired, they will not play. But they haven't had problems and it seems that the recovery after the trip is good.”

Difference between this and the previous Ancelotti: "I hope to be better ... I have more experience. I was in Munich, Naples, Everton ... I have more experience and a great desire to return to improve. A coach must enjoy the experience that he has and also not look back, but keep looking forward. In football there is always something you can learn.”

Camavinga: "He has played in France with the French Under-21s ... he has enthusiasm and motivation to be here ... he has come into the squad well, he has a lot of quality. He is available for tomorrow's game.”

Left-back position: "Marcelo is fine, Mendy too. Miguel (Gutiérrez) ... There is a lot of competition in that position and that's good. We have recovered Modric, Nacho. The squad is in good condition and so is Marcelo.”

On UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin's comments saying that Florentino Peréz is incompetent: "It seemed a bit strange to me, that a body as important as UEFA talks like this about a president of a club that has won 13 Champion Leagues. If a president who has won 13 Champion Leagues is incompetent, what about the others?"

Return of fans to Bernabéu: "It is a very special day for all Madridistas, also for us because we return to our stadium. It is a stadium that has always helped the team, it is a very special day and we have to close it with a good game. First get the three points, that is the number one objective. We have to play well, put on a good show and, most importantly, get all three points.”