Carlo Ancelotti talks defeat to Girona, Vinícius Júnior and season run-in

Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media after Real Madrid lost 4-2 away to Girona in LaLiga on Tuesday. “We weren’t convincing and when we tried to come back, it was with individuals, but not as a team. The team didn’t play well today,” he said in his post-match press conference.

Is it one of your toughest nights as Madrid coach?

“When you lose it’s tough. We were bad in defence but were good on the ball, especially at the start of the game. We weren’t convincing in duels, they caught us on two counterattacks, and from then on, everything became more difficult.”

What did you think of Vinícius’ performance?

“He played well, scoring a goal and providing an assist. But the team wasn’t connected and we paid for it.”

Can you explain Nacho’s substitution? From the outside, it looked like he was being singled out...

“Well, it wasn’t because I was singling him out, not at all. It was to bring on Camavinga, who has different characteristics. It’s true that he wasn’t at his best, like the team in general.”

Vinícius has nine yellow cards...

“That’s too many, I’ve already said that several times.”

Can this defeat be good for the team and act as a wake-up call?

“Yes, maybe. Although a defeat is never a good thing. I reiterate the importance of defensive commitment: if we have it, we will always win and if we don’t, it will cost us. In the last seven games, we had six clean sheets. And in this one, we concede four goals. I hope my players have understood that. If not, I’ll repeat it to them every day.”

What do you say to the fans?

“That I understand that they are hurt. We apologise... We are also hurt. The fans know that we will be fine in the Copa del Rey final and in the semi-final (against Manchester City).”

Ancelotti in the mixed zone post-match

How do you explain what happened?

“It’s difficult and, at the same time, easy: we weren’t convincing and lacked commitment. We started well with the ball, but we allowed too many transitions without it.”

There were a lot of defensive lapses... What happened?

“It’s incredible. The team had been on a good defensive run but we conceded because of a lack of strength. Every time they came out from the back, they made transitions. We are very hurt but we have to pick ourselves up. Everything is still at stake.”