Everything Carlo Ancelotti had to say in the press conference before the LaLiga game against Real Sociedad

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, spoke to the press before their upcoming clash against Real Sociedad. The Italian manager was asked about a variety of his players, as well as some of the current controversies and issues surrounding football in Spain.

At first Ancelotti was asked about the general state of how he saw his opponents, Real Sociedad, saying “they are playing very well and have a great dynamic. We have to get better in the first halves of games. After what happened against Atlético it is important to have a complete game in both attack and defence.”

The match against Atlético and the controversy

He was then questioned about that specific game, the 3-1 comeback victory over their city rivals, who have been embroiled in controversy after some declarations made by their CEO, Gil Marín. “It was an even game, a competitive one”, he said, “I think based on our performance we deserved to win. I’m not going to talk about the other things [the comments by Gil Marín]. The only thing that I know is the system I’m going to use tomorrow. I didn’t read the letter, I only heard things.I don’t want to talk about that. The only thing I can say is my character is my character with respect to all opinions.”

The coach was probed about the game in more detail, specifically, the mentality needed to mount a comeback. “In football there are difficult moments; it’s important to have a cool head. It is in those difficult moments where a cool head is important. Football gives you the chance to go again. A good opportunity might come quickly, you have to be concentrated.”

Mentality versus tactics

When asked about whether the mentality of Madrid overpowers their tactics, Ancelotti was straight-talking. “They also said that last year. We have tactics. Sometimes we do well and sometimes not. Madrid has a clear identity, for the simple reason that I want it. A team knows how to do a lot of things.”

He was then asked about Vinicius, a player who has come under the spotlight after Atlético fans hung an effigy of the player from a bridge in the buildup to Madrid’s Cup win. “I think he looks good. He did a difficult job. He made mistakes, he got things wrong, but at the end he scored.

Systems and his coaching staff

Ancelotti’s son currently works for the Madrid coaching staff, but has been linked with the vacant Everton job, after Lampard’s departure. “Davide wants to be a coach. It will happen one day. He’s very good here. The day I stop coaching or when he decides he can go. He has the ability to do it. Our work is not over here yet.”

“The 4-2-3-1 system is one that I like, above all in the defensive side of things”, the boss said when asked about the revelation that has been Rodrygo playing centrally. “Sometimes Modric has played there, other times Asensio, and sometimes Rodrygo. Rodrygo likes it, it’s ideal to play behind a striker. We are thinking about it, we’ve played like this in a lot of games.

“The job of a referee is very complicated. It seemed like VAR would help us. Now nobody talks about offsides. But everything that is not subjective can create controversy. The corruption that we had in the 60s or 70s doesn’t exist anymore. In general, refereeing has improved a lot.

Carvajal, Camavinga and Militao

The first half of the season was good [for Carvajal]. He was called up to the Spain squad. Now he’s go the injury he had before. As always we trust him as he is very reliable and has a lot of experience. He will help us a lot in the second half of the season. He will be available for the next game. Just like Alaba and Tchouameni, they will be too, against Valencia.

On Militao, Ancelotti said “I think he looks good, with room for improvement. He is one of the best centre-backs in the world. He has everything: he can bring the ball out from the back, one vs one, he’s quick, decisive, aggressive. He’s one of the best.”

And as for Camavinga, a player who has found a new role at Madrid, Ancelotti said “he has the same attitude as everyone. It’s a very good squad, nobody downs tools. Right now, Camavinga has done really well. Asensio and ceballos have, too. We need everbody.”