Every word of Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference ahead of Saturday’s Clasico between Real Madrid and Barcelona: 2024 LaLiga EA Sports Week 11

Carlo Ancelotti was his usual, calm, flustered self as he took questions from the media in Friday’s press conference ahead of this weekend’s Clásico at the Bernabéu. It’s the biggest game in the Spanish league calendar and while some might be feeling the pressure, the Real Madrid coach isn’t - at least outwardly. “Nobody is keeping me up at night at the moment,” said the coach, who confronts his 19th meeting with the Catalans as Madrid coach and his 23rd encounter with them during his managerial career.

The Italian insists there isn’t a clear favorite this time around and noted that Barça, under Hansi Flick, “has changed its philosophy a little, its idea of the game is very clear and it plays much more directly.”

While the thrill and allure of El Clásico might have rubbed off a little for Carletto over the years, this will be Kylian Mbappé‘s first experience of it. “He knows perfectly well, because he has experience and has played against Barcelona many times, what he has to do,” says his coach.

Regarding Bellingham’s struggles in front of goal, Ancelotti said, “Last year it was crucial that he scored goals because we had lost an important striker in Benzema. We don’t have that problem this year because we have a player [Mbappé] who can score 45 goals.” And after the Clásico, the focus will turn to Vinicius and Monday’s gala in Paris: “I think he will win the Ballon d’Or.”

How is the team before such a huge match?

The team is doing well and is motivated. The Clásicos are competitive and hard-fought matches, but they are also entertaining. We want to do well in front of our fans.

Can Madrid take advantage of the spaces which this Barça tend to leave?

Barça has a very clear idea of how to play, and they are playing very well. They are a very brave team. We have to prepare the game well and try to play our best.

Bellingham: 10 appearances and three assists

How is Bellingham? He’s not scored yet this season...

He is doing very well and making progress. He has had problems with his ankle and shoulder, but his condition is good. He is contributing with his work, which is very important for us.

What’s the key to winning the match? Are you scared of this Barça side? Are you losing sleep over it?

They are doing very well. In a match like the Clásico it is very difficult to choose a favorite. No one is keeping me up at night at the moment.

How long until we see the most overwhelming version of Mbappé?

We are satisfied because he has scored goals. He is important for the team, against Dortmund he was very present in the first two goals. Neither I, the squad nor he are in a hurry. Obviously he will do better because he has all the qualities to do better.

Who is the favorite?

I don’t know. It depends on the dynamics of the match. It’s difficult to choose a favorite beforehand. It’s a question of how you are able to handle the pressure, the moments of the match...

Is this version of Bellingham good enough for him? Is it enough for him? Should he be contributing more goals?

Last year it was crucial that he scored because we had lost an important striker like Benzema. We don’t have that problem this year because we have a player who can score 45 goals.

You have coached both of them, what makes Modric and Lewandowski special to maintain that level and that ambition?

The seriousness, professionalism and passion they have for playing football. There is no secret to this longevity and seniority.

Tactical card up Ancelotti’s sleeve

Are you going to change anything like you did in Vigo?

I have something in mind, but I don’t think it’s right to explain it to you today. (smiles) You have to see it tomorrow and then tell me if I was wrong or not.

What are you going to emphasize in tomorrow’s team talk ?

Usually in this type of game you don’t have to talk too much. The idea is to remember a very clear, very simple strategy... and nothing more. It’s not a type of game in which you have to say too much. When I was playing I was very worried and Van Basten would tell me: “Relax, the strategy is very clear. Give me the ball.” And it worked many times.

How do you see Lamine Yamal? Do you have any special plans to stop him?

He has started his career in spectacular fashion. I really like the way he plays, his attitude. He is a very dangerous player, but you have to be focused on what you want to do. We respect Barça a lot, because they are doing very well.

How do you handle pressure? Do you think about the game a lot?

Criticism doesn’t bother me, I understand it very well, it’s there even when you do well. I want to clarify my ideas first and then explain them well to the players. I often like to know what the players think about the ideal strategy for each match.

Do you think Barça will defend high as they have been doing this season?

We prepare the game to do things well with and without the ball. You have to be able to manage the attack if they drop the line. You have to play a complete game to win and we will try to do that.

What advice would you give Mbappé for his first Clasico?

Nothing special. He knows perfectly well, because he has experience and has played many times against Barcelona, what he has to do.

Can Dortmund’s second half mark a turning point in the season?

That’s what we’ll try to do. 90 minutes like that is impossible, but I think a lot of things were done well in the second half against Dortmund.

Mbappé’s first experience of El Clásico at first hand

Could the pressure affect Mbappé in his first Clasico ?

His way of preparing for the match is very calm and very simple. He has a lot of confidence in his qualities and I think he will contribute to the team tomorrow.

As a coach, how do you explain Barça’s change? Is it all down to Flick?

He has changed his philosophy a bit, he plays differently, much more directly. I don’t want to compare the work because Xavi did a great job at Barça in his own way. It’s a different Barcelona, which we respect just as much as Xavi’s.

What does the hug Vinicius gave you after your hat-trick against Dortmund mean to you?

It means coaching one of the best in the world, a kid who remains very humble, who has made a lot of progress. I believe without a doubt that he will be the next Ballon d’Or winner.

Is Vinicius the leader of this team?

There is not just one, there are many. Vinicius can be a leader, as can Valverde or Modric. Young players can show with their attitude and commitment that they are leaders.