Mbappé to Real Madrid? Ancelotti “isn’t worried”

There were four questions about Kylian Mbappé at the Real Madrid press conference ahead of the league game against Rayo Vallecano. But with veteran finesse, Carlo Ancelotti skillfully sidestepped them, and in the final one, he brought that line to a close.

“Do you see me worried? Affected? Well, the upcoming press conferences will be like this,” he explained. In between, he added, “I understand it’s the topic of the day for you, but for us, it’s tomorrow’s match,” and “In the locker room, the discussions were about Rayo’s videos.” That was the end of it.

As well as focus on the Frenchman, Ancelotti also praised Rodrygo’s off-the-ball work and confirmed that he had a conversation with Luka Modric a month ago: “For someone accustomed to playing every game, it’s tough to sit on the bench... but he continues to train hard, being very professional.”

Ancelotti at Rayo-Real Madrid press conference

Below is a summary of what was asked and the replies from Los Blancos’ boss...

- “You’re on an 18-game streak without losing... What does Madrid need to do tomorrow to extend the streak?”

- “Vallecas is always challenging. The match will be tough, against a team that has changed its coach, has extra motivation, and needs points. We’ll have to bring out our best level, as always, because it’s a crucial moment of the season.”

- “Do you see the Mbappé move getting closer?”

- “I see and hear what has happened. I understand it’s the topic of the day for you, but for us, it’s tomorrow’s match. We need to perform well, that’s what I’m thinking about. And finishing the season well.”

- “But has anything been discussed in the locker room about the topic?”

- “We’ve discussed the match, watching videos of Rayo. We are aware that it’s a vital match for the season.”

- “Personally, would you like to have Mbappé next season?”

- “I would like to finish this season well, win titles. That’s what I would like and what we’re working for. There’s still a lot for next season.”

- “Do you fear that what lies ahead, with months full of questions about Mbappé, could affect the locker room?”

- “Do you see me worried now? Affected? No, no. Well, the upcoming press conferences will be like this.”

- “Are you considering keeping Tchouameni as a center-back in the future?”

- “When Rüdiger, Militao... and Alaba return a little later, his role won’t be that. We signed him to be a pivot. It’s true that he’s showing he can contribute perfectly as a center-back, he’s adapting quickly. That shows he’s very, very intelligent.”

- “How is Modric?”

- “I’ve discussed this topic many times with you and with him, once. Enough. Obviously, for someone used to playing almost every game, or all of them, it’s tough, it’s hard for him to sit on the bench. It’s something I respect and understand perfectly. But as a result of this, his behavior is very professional, serious, training, fighting. He’s available and can play in any game, including tomorrow’s.”

- “Given who Luka is, does he have a different status?”

- “He continues to provide the same as he did before when he played every game. He’s a highly respected figure and an example of how a professional should be. Every day he trains at full throttle and, if he doesn’t play, he contributes as he did before. He remains a reference for the squad.”

- “When was that single conversation you confirmed you had with Modric? Is the club’s idea to let him decide on the renewal?”

- “The club’s policy has been that in recent years, with the legends who have one year left on their contracts: Kroos, Nacho... everyone. That’s the club’s idea. I talked about this issue with Luka a month ago, and everything is quite clear between us.”

- “What does Rodrygo bring to the team? Statistics show he’s one of the forwards who runs the most...”

- “I highly value the defensive work of forwards. The player with the most quality is the one who runs the least, I’ve always said that. This is not the case with Rodrygo, in this regard. The defensive work of the forwards is key to keeping so many clean sheets.”

- “Before the Supercopa match, it was Tchouameni who gave the talk... Where does this idea come from?”

- “No one is obligated, but we suggest players speak before each match. It happens with the captains and the rest of the team. To this day, everyone has spoken. Before each game, we choose someone to give the talk. It’s a tradition we’ve adopted and it’s beneficial; dedicating a minute to encourage teammates.”

- “What does Güler lack to be a starter?”

- “Obviously, he can already start because he’s physically fit, at a good level. What he needs to do is to fight, to compete with his teammates, nothing more. The word is ‘patience,’ I’ve already said it.”

- “‘All good players can play together,’ Zidane said about signing stars. Do you agree?”

- “Yes. Good players should always play. For me, the most important things a team should have are two: quality and balance. If you can combine them, you can succeed.”