Ancelotti: “It’s not true that certain players want to come here”

Carlo Ancelotti was back in the hotseat on Saturday to preview Real Madrid’s trip to Mallorca. Los Blancos head into the game five points behind LaLiga table toppers Barcelona while Mallorca sit mid-table in 10th with just two wins from four since the start of the New Year. During his press conference, the coach was asked about the situations of players whose contracts will be coming to an end in June and also rumoured transfer targets with Jude Bellingham one of the main names being linked with a move to the Bernabéu this summer.

What are your thoughts on Mallorca so far this season? They have a solid defence having conceded just two goals more than Madrid...

They are a side that enjoys counter attacking, they defend very well. They are a solid team. They manage the ball well and that will be one of the keys to the game.

How are Militão, Benzema and Alaba?

“Alaba trained and can play without any problems. Militão and Karim... they are undergoing tests as we speak but their condition doesn’t look serious. They are ruled out for tomorrow but will fly out with the squad for the Club World Cup.

What are your thoughts on possible new contracts for Ceballos and Kroos?

I am not concentrating on contract renewals, I am only interested in their professionalism, they desire to help the team and what they can bring us. That’s all I am thinking about. They will discuss their situation with the club.

Has the club asked you for your advice in the transfer market?

What has been said about players wanting to come here isn’t true.

Is the defence no longer leaking goals so easily?

We did well in the last few games, we needed to beat Real Sociedad. But we are getting the good feeling back and you can see that the team is much better. Injuries hampered us and that’s something that you can’t foresee, but the team is much better.

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How will you handle the Vinicius issue? Does he need more protection?

He’s going to prepare for the game in the same way he always does, focusing on his quality. After that, we’ll see. I don’t need to talk to him.

Will you be rotating the side against Mallorca?

“Maybe... but I won’t be resting players because we have the Club World Cup coming up. The best team will play tomorrow, because the most important game we have is the next one.

How is Ceballos looking to you?

He’s doing really well, he’s focused and showing personality. He’s looking confident.

For you, is Vinicius an exemplary player?

Yes. My grandkids have all of Vinicius’ shirts, the four of them. Everyone has their opinion. For me, he’s a great player.

What are your thoughts on players retiring? For instance, Benzema...

For me, Real Madrid legends should retire playing for Real Madrid. And that’s what Benzema is.

How is Valverde?

We can’t expect him to score in every game. He stood out for his goals in the first half of the season but he gives us other things, he brings energy to the side for example.

How do you keep the squad on an even keel in such a demanding period with so many games piling up?

We tend to work more on recovery that physical work. Because we hardly have any time to train. We focus on evaluating tiredness which is why during busy times like this, the work which the fitness trainers do is more important than the work the coach does. And if you are a Catholic, praying helps quite a lot...

Today Madrid will find out their semi-final rivals at the Club World Cup...

Right now I am not following the tournament. After the Mallorca game we will start to full focus on that. I so know the teams that we could possibly face.

What do you think about the schedule? Kick-off at 2 p.m. on Sunday...

I don’t think it’s right to play a game at 2 p.m. on a Sunday afternoon. You should have at least two hours to rest. I don’t think it’s a good idea.