Ancelotti makes his feelings clear on Real Madrid playing in Saudi Arabia

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti sat down in front of the press ahead of the game against Mallorca in the Spanish Super Cup, which is set to be played in Saudi Arabia.

The Italian was asked about a multitude of things, including the fitness of returning defender David Alaba, Vinicius Jr’s behaviour and the reaction to it, and the decision to continue to play the Spanish tournament in another continent, over 6,000 km away.

Here’s what Ancelotti said:

How do you feel ahead of the match against Mallorca?

We have a lot of respect for their quality and the coach’s work. We have to respect them as much as possible.

Do you still think it’s difficult to be Vinicius?

Both he and I have heard what happens on the pitch. I still say that it is difficult to be Vinicius. The punishment (getting sent off against Valencia) is not correct.

Do you think you need to change something in terms of his behaviour?

We are delighted with Vinicius in every aspect.

Does the fact that there is no extra-time in the game against Mallorca change your approach?

No, our approach is not going to change. We know our opponents very well and they know us. It’s going to be very competitive; it was a very difficult game for us in the league. They have good players, a good system and will battle well during the game.

What is your opinion on what is happening with Olmo and Pau Víctor at Barcelona?

I can only talk about the match between Barcelona and Athletic. I don’t want to talk about the issue surrounding Olmo and Pau Víctor.

Is Alaba ready to play? Has he recovered?

He’s looking very good. We’re close to seeing him back in action.

You said in 2022 that the key to the dressing room was not to think of yourself as the ‘king of the castle’ and get ahead of oneself. Is that still the case?

Sometimes it happens that people think they are the best. Not just the players, but everyone does it. The team is on the right path. I think it is an important competition. We hope that the tournament will drive us and make us motivated for the rest of the season.

How do you think the team looks ahead of the game?

Things look much better, that’s the truth. Every game comes with its own problems and difficulties, but I’m calm in the sense that the squad is planning these types of games very well. We’re not going to have problems with attitude or commitment. We’re on the right path.

Are you tired of Vinicius always being in the spotlight?

Everyone has their own opinion. When people talk about Vinicius provoking, it diverts attention away from the insults he receives.

Is it positive to have the competition in Saudi Arabia?

Having the competition here is good for Spanish football and for the teams that play here: they have the opportunity to feel the support of the fans they have in the country.

Is it difficult to motivate players with such a tight schedule?

When there is a title at stake, this team is always focused and ready to go. We have handled this period well, we had a week off and we took advantage of it to rest, come back in good shape and now we’re all motivated.

What has changed regarding Jagoba Arrasate’s Mallorca side?

I don’t want to compare what has changed with Aguirre’s team. They defend very well, like all of Arrasate’s teams. They take advantage of the value of their players and that’s exactly my idea of what a coach should be: taking advantage of the players' skills and talents.

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