Intercontinental Cup
Ancelotti opens up on the “risk” regarding Mbappé
Press conference with Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti prior to the Intercontinental Cup final against Mexican side CF Pachuca.

Carlo Ancelotti is one step away from winning his 15th title as Real Madrid coach and making history as the most successful coach in the history of the club.
It will depend on what happens tomorrow in the Intercontinental Cup final (Wednesday December 18, 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT.), a match for which Carletto has a big doubt: whether Kylian Mbappé will play or not.
“Yesterday he trained well, good sensations. He did sprints and everything went well. If he is fine, speaking with the doctors, he will play. If there is even a slight risk, obviously not,” said Ancelotti.
You have won 14 titles with Real Madrid... How motivated are you for tomorrow?
We are very excited; if we are here it is because we have done very well. It is a gift for us and Pachuca, who have already worked hard in two qualifying rounds. We will try to win, to take the trophy back to Madrid... despite the difficulties.
Tomorrow you could surpass Miguel Muñoz (former Real Madrid coach) and become the manager with the most titles in the history of the club...
It’s something important, of course. Achieving this success. It’s a sign that I’ve done a good job; I think I’ve done that, but I want to continue. It’s an honour to be compared to Miguel Muñoz and the rest of the coaches who have had the good fortune of managing the biggest club in the world.
Can you give us an update on Kylian Mbappé‘s fitness?
It’s simple: yesterday he trained well, he felt good. He did some sprints and everything went well. Today is an important training session, where we will evaluate his feelings and the risk. If he is fine, after speaking with the doctors, he will play. If there is a minimal risk, obviously not. But his feelings yesterday were very good. We are optimistic.
How important is this match?
We are better than we were a month ago. And it is a unique match, a unique opportunity. We are very excited, ready to go and excited. We want to bring the Intercontinental Cup to Madrid.
Do you think you have lost some control over the players? Because it is being said by some that the side are not playing well...
You’re asking me if I’ve lost control? (Laughs) A tough question. I haven’t lost control, of course not. In football you go through difficult times, it’s always happened. Sometimes they come in October-November and sometimes in April-May.
The important thing is to be there, to keep going. If it happens in October or November, you can still get over it and we are doing that. I’m sure we’ll be very competitive in the second half of the season. I can assure you that I haven’t lost control.
Have you had a meeting to assess whether you should sign new players in January?
No, not yet. For now, we want to get to Christmas in good shape. We will try to win this match, against Sevilla, and then rest, because the team needs it. And in January we will evaluate.
Would you have been a better coach without so much criticism?
No, criticism is acceptable. It’s part of my job. I’ve already said that what bothers me is personal criticism, not sporting criticism. Because I don’t always do things right, even though I try. We all make mistakes sometimes. And criticism sometimes wakes you up. It’s an important part of my job; the coach is always criticised. There hasn’t been a single coach in the history of football who hasn’t been immune to criticism.
Could Mbappé be playing in a position that is not his best?
Kylian is a fantastic player and I honestly think he hasn’t reached his best yet. He has improved in the last few games, but he’s not at his best yet. He can play in any position: forward, left... wherever you put him. With the quality he has, he can play wherever he wants.
Why was the team having such a hard time getting going?
We changed a few things compared to last season: we lost balance, we had some injuries, and that deprived us of our best form. It’s normal when changes happen. You have to modify the system, the strategy, adapt. It’s not something new in football. I’m not happy, but I am satisfied. We have improved, we have gone through difficult moments and, when this happens, the team becomes stronger.
The game will be played on Wednesday December 18 at Lusail Stadium with kick off at 12:00 p.m. ET / 9:00 a.m. PT. Watch the Intercontinental Final live stream on FuboTV (Free Trial)
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