REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti press conference ahead of Real Madrid vs Arandina in the Copa del Rey
The Italian sat down in front of the press ahead of Los Blancos’ game against Arandina in the Copa del Rey.
As the Three Wise Men travel on camels across Spain delivering gifts, eating turrones and drinking what just happens to be children’s parents’ favourite tipples, Real Madrid are also tasked with delivering a special festive treat. They take on Arandina in the Copa del Rey (Saturday 6 January, KO 3.30 p.m. ET / 12.30 p.m. PT) at the 6,000-capacity El Montecillo stadium, located 155km directly north of the Spanish capital, just up the A1 motorway.
The home side, who play in Spain’s Segunda Federación – Group 1, the third tier (previously the Segunda RFEF and Segunda B - don’t ask), will also be looking to deliver a present to their fans: progression in the very-heavily formatted Copa del Rey looks almost impossible against the 14-time European champions who are currently top of the LaLiga table, but history suggests that they certainly have the power to make things difficult for Carlo Ancelotti’s men.
‘We’ll try and win it like last year’
Ahead of the game, the Italian coach of Los Blancos sat down in front of the press. “We’re the reigning champions”, Ancelotti opened with when asked on his opinion of the tournament, “this competition gave us a lot of happiness last season. We’ll try and win it like last year. Tomorrow we’ll do our best.”
On which players will travel and play, given Madrid’s tight schedule (they play Atlético Madrid in the Spanish Super Cup next week), changes are expected: “the only players who aren’t travelling are Kroos, who has some problems, Tchouaméni and Vinicius, who is finishing off his recovery. Everyone else is going.” On Vini Jr, Carlo put his early return down to a serious personality, his professionalism and the work he did with the doctors”.
Ancelotti on ‘complicated’ game
This time last year, Real Madrid were pulled out of the hat and given an away fixture against Cacereño, from Extremadura in Spain’s western region, close to the Portuguese border. The game was a tight affair, with a solo Rodrygo goal the difference. “I’d say it will be complicated like the game against Cacereño”, Ancelotti admitted, “we have to take them seriously.”
In the previous round, Arandina beat LaLiga side Cádiz to make it to the Round of 32. “We’ll try to win because we’re very interested in this competition”, he continued, “due to tiredness I’ll make some changes, but we’ll be just as competitive”.
The boss was then asked about Sergio Ramos, a player who returned to LaLiga side Sevilla after a stint with PSG. Between the two, he played for Real Madrid over 460 times. “I have a special affection for him and I hope he gets to the end of his carreer in the best way possible. He will do it, because he’s a great professional, a serious and brave one.” No mention of signing him, so that question was popped in a drawer.
Arda Güler ‘has chances to start’
Regarding the team changes, Ancelotti said that Carvajal at centre-back “is an option” given the injuries and lack of Tchouaméni. However, he also put Nacho into the mix to play, as well as youth team centre-back Álvaro Carillo who, according to the manager “is doing well”. As for Ferland Mendy, Ancelotti confirmed that he will be back in the squad for the Super Cup and that “Camavinga will be back” for the Copa del Rey game; Kroos “will be in Saudi Arabia” for the Super Cup and Arda Güler “is available and has chances to start”.
“Tomorrow Kepa will play” Ancelotti also declared, “there’s a good competition for the goalkeeper spot, they’re both working well.”
Bellingham ‘the best in the world’
Real Madrid’s last game, against Mallorca, was won 1-0 thanks to a header from Antontio Rüdiger in the second half. On the game, which was played with the Bernabéu’s roof closed, the Italian commented that “the sound is different, there’s a better atmosphere. I think this can push the team on and help them.”
When asked about Bellingham, Ancelotti called the Englishman “the best in the world” before saying that he’s doing really well, especially taking into account that he’s getting used to a new language and culture.”
Finally, on the fixture, Carlo wished for his side “to play a serious game” but also noted that “he has no doubts. The team is ready and motivated. We’re really focussed on tomorrow’s game; this competition, I repeat, has given us a lot of happiness.”