Everything Carlo Ancelotti had to say before Real Madrid’s LaLiga Santander match against Real Valladolid

“I love that Brazil want me”, said Ancelotti in his typically honest fashion before going one step further, “but I have to respect contracts and my situation is simple: I will continue for as long as Madrid let me”. The Real Madrid boss sat down in front of the press ahead of the game against Real Valladolid on Sunday 2 April (10:15 a.m. ET) where he talked about his own future, Vinicius Júnior, Vinicius Tobias, injuries, Barça, Gavi and much more.

The first question, as always, asked about the state of the squad and how it finds itself after an international break that has not come at an ideal time for many clubs that are fighting for particular objectives in their respective leagues. Ancelotti, however, sees no issues with his side, saying “they’re all good, those who travelled have returned in good shape. As for the players that stayed here, they were fine.”

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Ancelotti ‘excited’ by Brazil links

During the international break, Ancelotti’s name came up endlessly in the press, either linking someone else to his current job or linking him away from Madrid and going to the Brazilian national team. Ederson, Brazil’s goalkeeper, did nothing to quash the rumours, saying that he had spoken to Brazil’s Madrid players and that there was “a big possibility” that Ancelotti could indeed manage the seleçao.

“I’m not surprised by the rumours”, said Ancelotti when asked about the press’ comments over the past week, “they don’t worry me. The only thing I think about is serving this club for as long as I’m here. As for everything else, I’m clear: I will continue until Madrid don’t want me. We are fine, I feel loved. The people around me are calm and so am I. There are two months to go to fight for trophies. I have a contract and I want to continue. Simple.”

Asked specifically whether or not he would like to manage Brazil, Ancelotti left no room for interpretation: “I love it (the fact that people in Brazil are waiting for him). Obviously it makes me excited. But contracts must be respected and I want to do so.”

Will Ancelotti retire after Madrid? ‘No’

The Canarinha flavoured questions kept coming, and the boss was asked if he maintains what he said about retiring after working for Madrid. “No”, he said. You don’t get much clearer than that. “I don’t know the Brazil football federation president”, he continued, “but if he came, of course (I’d speak to him). I’d love to say hello.”

Finally, the topic moved on, and Ancelotti was asked about injuries that have plagued the squad, and whether Madrid have a problem relating to why so many players have been in the recovery room across the season. “No, what’s happening to us happens to everyone. Mendy has been very unlucky, nothing else. Those who have come back to fitness have done so brilliantly.”

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Ancelotti’s wheel-less Auntie

“Xavi said yesterday that were Gavi to play in another team, the criticism of him would be different”, one journalist said before asking “do you think Vinicius criticism would be the same if he played somewhere else?”

“If my auntie had wheels”, said the manager, “she’d be a trolley”. Poor Aunt Ancelotti. I hope she doesn’t give Carlo any awkward looks at the next family gathering.

Finally, the Italian was not going to be drawn into controversy regarding rest time as it has been revealed that FC Barcelona will have an extra day of rest before facing Madrid in the second leg of the Copa del Rey. “This time I think we have enough time to recover and be in good shape for the game. There is no type of disadvantage.”

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LaLiga Santander 2022/2023

Classification	PTS	WM	TM	LM
1Barcelona	68	22	2	2
2Real Madrid	56	17	5	4
3Atlético de Madrid	51	15	6	5

Full classification

Upcoming matches
Real Madrid - Real Valladolid	S-02/04 10:15
Real Madrid - Villarreal	S-08/04 15:00
Cádiz - Real Madrid	S-15/04 15:00

Calendar

*Data updated to date Apr 1st, 2023