REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti gives Courtois and Militão update, says Bellingham is “100%”
The Italian head coach gave updates on the fitness of Bellingham as well as long-term absentees Courtois and Militão.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press ahead of a crucial game in LaLiga against Valencia (Saturday 2 March 2024, KO 3 p.m. ET / 12 noon PT.). He commented on the fitness of Jude Bellingham, as well as that of Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão.
Los Blancos go into match week 27 top of the LaLiga standings, 6 points clear of Girona in second place, with Barcelona a further 2 points behind. Despite the positive league position, Ancelotti made it clear that Madrid would not have it their own way at Valencia’s Mestalla stadium.
“Madrid have always found it difficult to win there”, he said, “it’s a difficult field and the opponent is doing well. We need our best form. Carvajal, Camavinga, Joselu and Bellingham are all back. The squad is more complete... These are going to be very important points at this point in the season. Every game has a greater importance”.
Ancelotti’s injury update: Bellingham, Courtois, Militão
On that hint dropped by the coach, he was asked specifically about Bellingham, who has been injured since Madrid beat Girona at the start of February. “He is one hundred percent, everything he has done and needed to do on an individual level is fine, he is comfortable with his ankle, he is at his best, he will play”.
Ancelotti also confirmed that Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militão could be set to return next month: “the date has not been set. But we have to take advantage of the national team break and then the mini-break from the Copa del Rey. At that time they will do some work with the team. After April 14, after Mallorca, they could be ready”.
The last time Real Madrid played Valencia at Mestalla, the game was marred by a racist incident which came from the stands. Ancelotti was asked about the return to a ground that holds negative memories for the club.
“Our idea is to go and play a strong game, and Valencia’s idea is the same. The teams and the fans want a spectacle. We must not forget last year, because racist acts must be condemned and identified. Valencia did very well, identifying the person who committed the crime. It is a city that has experienced a tragedy [with the recent fire], we want to show solidarity with these families. We want to play the best match possible for that reason.”
Will Real Madrid sign Davies? Ancelotti responds...
On Vinicius, Ancelotti commented on the player who will reach 250 games with the club: “In the last three seasons I have seen a constant and very, very important progression. He has been able to add continuity, goals and endurance to his natural talent. His ceiling? Because of his humility, he has no ceiling, he can progress, his best quality is that he enjoys football.”
The rumours have circulated all week about a potential move for Bayern Munich left-back, Alphonso Davies. Questions have surrounded the talk, given that Real Madrid already have two left-backs: Mendy and Fran García. “At the moment we have two very reliable players”, Ancelotti said, “one of them is Fran García, who played a lot at the beginning and played well, then Mendy came back, so for the moment we are fine”.
Another debate running up and down the corridors of Real Madrid is that of Arda Güler. The young midfielder has not seen many minutes this season and reports of a potentially bad attitude have even surfaced, with Ancelotti saying last week that “I don’t have to give explanations... if he doesn’t understand, nothing happens”.
The coach was calmer ahead of the Valencia game, saying ““Obviously I understand that for his progression it is important to give him minutes, but at times that does not correspond to the demands of the team. I would like the fans to see the talent, but his moment will come.”