Ancelotti opens up on Mbappé‘s shock Real Madrid admission

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after his side’s thumping 4-2 win over Sevilla, who were no match for the attacking threat of Rodrygo, Mbappé and company.

First, the Frenchman scored from distance before Valverde joined the party. Rodrygo got the third before Brahim netted the fourth.

The win left Real Madrid in second place in the table and feeling good before the festive period, with Los Blancos putting in what many said was their most promising performance of the whole year.

The squad have been criticised a lot this year, including by yourself...

I think the self-criticism is that we have clarified what we were missing: a bit of attitude, collective commitment. We have done things well again, as we should have. After the defeat against Milan, it has been two complicated months, but we are a very demanding team. We have had very strong matches. We are looking forward to 2025.

What did you think of the tribute to Jesús Navas?

He has been an example of a player for young people who want to be high-level footballers.

”I hit rock bottom in Bilbao,” said Mbappé. Where did you hit rock bottom as a team?

I think that after the defeat against Milan, we sorted things out in the dressing room. We’re back.

What do you think about Kylian’s phrase?

He has been self-critical, he has shown all his quality. I said yesterday that his adaptation period is over and today he has shown it. Sometimes I am right…

Do you feel that your position has been put at risk?

I have never had the problem of danger. The club has never shown me concern, but rather calm, affection, tranquility. In that aspect the club has shown me its support. I trust what the club tells me and the club has transmitted calm to me.

How do you deal with this break?

First of all, I’ll rest. We’ve given the players a special programme of three training sessions. First they have to rest, work, and we’ll come back feeling very good, very relaxed. We have a match on January 3 against Valencia.

Team evolution

―More commitment at a defensive level, and that is a problem we have, because with absences like Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, and Mendy, we have tried to activate the forwards

Note to the team

Outstanding. Because we have said it many times, we have dominated many aspects. Last season was fantastic. Thanks to the attitude of the players we have won. It will be difficult to repeat it, but we will try. The quality of the squad is very high.

Fran García and Endrick, without going out on the field…

I haven’t had time to explain it to them, but I didn’t want to change the team. They will have time in 2025, taking advantage of their opportunities. Fran has helped us a lot in this last period.

How do you get out of the game?

We are satisfied, it was a good match, well played. With great efficiency, accuracy. We have finished the year well. It was what we wanted, to be in the fight. Now we have to rest and be well in 2025.

In the last five games, three or more goals in all of them...

They are feeling better. Vinicius was missing today, but they did very well. Brahim, Mbappé, Bellingham... They started well and when we activate up front it is easier.

You train a lot on long shots, don’t you?

The corner was a set play to free Valverde. And Kylian, from the edge of the box, has a very good shot, very precise. He scored a great goal, like the one against Celta.

And what do you say about the tribute to Navas?

Jesús Navas deserves it. For his career, his success, but above all for his attitude and commitment. He is a great example. Jesús Navas represents all of this.

Do you have a message for the fans?

Enjoy the holidays and be thankful for the support you show us. We are well positioned for 2025. Merry Christmas.

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