REAL MADRID
Carlo Ancelotti talks Endrick, Kroos, Xavi and more ahead of LaLiga clash with Villarreal
Ancelotti gave his thoughts going into Sunday’s LaLiga match against Villarreal at the Bernabéu.
Ahead of Real Madrid’s meeting with Villarreal in LaLiga on Sunday, Carlo Ancelotti sat down to discuss several subjects, including new signing Endrick and Barcelona boss Xavi.
Xavi said that the most difficult club to coach was Barça...
“Well, I don’t know which is the most difficult. But criticism of coaches is the order of the day. It’s a job where you are judged only on the result, not the methodology. What decides your future is whether you win or not. And we coaches have to accept that; Xavi knows that. And, for me, he is a great professional, a great coach.”
What’s different about Endrick?
“He’s still learning Spanish. He is a boy who is delighted with what he has been able to achieve. And, as I said, he’s enjoying the moment. We’ll be waiting for him until July.
If tomorrow you were asked to renew, would you like to?
“Well... (silence). (silence) Another question? (laughs). If the club is happy, I am happy. We are in no hurry to renew.”
Rüdiger said that he asks Kroos every day to play at Euro 2024. Would you like him to return to the German national team?
“If Kroos is going to play for Germany, Germany are lucky to have one of the greatest midfielders in the world.”
Do you think the future of football lies in a Super League?
“We have to wait until the 21st, that’s what I think. It’s a date that could change the history of football today. For the moment, we have to wait.”
Who is the first-choice penalty taker?
“Last year it was Modric, but because he hasn’t been starting this season, that has changed. Joselu takes them very well, but it’s the same, sometimes he doesn’t play. I don’t know what the order is, because we are having these problems of hierarchy, but I don’t feel there is a problem with penalties.”
If you could only give one piece of advice to Endrick... What would you tell him?
“I don’t know... He’s progressing very well, that’s for sure. I would tell him to enjoy this moment. He’s come to visit us, we’ve been talking to him. But we won’t be able to count on him until July. My advice? To enjoy this moment.”
Has this been your quietest year?
“I don’t know. We are handling the season well, despite the problems we have experienced (injuries). I feel confident, that’s for sure. A coach must always keep an eye on what’s coming, on the future and be focused on the future. It’s a long road ahead.”
Are you expecting a gift from the club for Christmas... a renewal?
“I already have the present and that is to coach Real Madrid. Now I’m only thinking about finishing these two games well in 2023. Nothing else.”
Who will play in goal tomorrow?
“I have decided, but I haven’t spoken to them yet... so I don’t want them to find out here. I will talk to them first. I don’t want them to find out from the press. They make me question my decision because they’re both very good.”
How are you approaching tomorrow’s game?
“We are close to Christmas, but we are facing a great team. We’re in a good moment, the results show it. The group is motivated and eager to finish 2023 well.”