Real Madrid boss Ancelotti addresses Ansu Fati transfer rumours in Almería pre-match press conference

Real Madrid began their LaLiga campaign with an impressive victory away to Athletic Club last Saturday, with Jude Bellingham netting his first goal for the club after Rodrygo had opened the scoring minutes earlier. Carlo Ancelotti’s side will be expected to post another win on the road in matchday two, when they travel to Power Horse Stadium to face Almería, who only just avoided relegation last season.

In his pre-match conference before the game, Ancelotti spoke about the goalkeeping situation at the club following Thibaut Courtois’ injury and Kepa’s arrival, rumours that Los Merengues were looking to sign Barcelona’s want-away winger Ansu Fati, and plenty more.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say before Almería vs Real Madrid on matchday two of LaLiga?

Almeria

“We saw them play against Rayo. They are a well-organised team, they didn’t deserve to lose. It’s going to be an entertaining match because they want to play, they don’t just sit deep. We have to play like we did in Bilbao”.

Kepa’s arrival as Thibaut Courtois’ replacement

“He is adapting very well. He has shown a lot of personality and quality, but Lunin will continue in goal tomorrow. After that, we’ll see”.

Too much soccer

“How can we not agree with what Guardiola said? They’re trying to improve the quality of the spectacle by adding quantity. But to improve the quality lessen the quantity. Players and coaches aren’t consulted. They want to more and more soccer to make more money. This is the problem. The players are the ones who are most affected, they suffer more injuries and can’t give everything they’ve got. I don’t know when this is going to change”.

Central defence in the absence of Eder Militão

“We are well covered. We have a lot of players with a lot of experience. We also have Marvel and we will give our young players a chance if need be”.

Kick-off time against Almería

“I’m not too worried about the heat. The water break may help”.

Vinícius and Ancelotti not nominated for 2022-23 UEFA awards

“Nothing surprises me. If you ask me, Vinicius is one of the best, if not the best, around and that is more than enough. Nothing surprises me anymore. He is motivated”.

Camavinga’s possible absence

“Yesterday, he had some muscle fatigue so we didn’t take any risks with him today. He is in the squad for the game. If he feels better tomorrow, he will play”.

An inflated transfer market

“Saudi Arabia is putting a lot of money into improving their league. They have the right to do so within the Financial Fair Play regulations that are in place”.

Will Kepa and Lunin be rotated?

“I don’t know, because Kepa is already a top-class goalkeeper. He has a lot of experience at international level, which is what Lunin is lacking. We are not going to rotate a lot. It will be either one or the other.

How can Camavinga keep improving?

“We are trying to get him to score more goals. He needs offer more of a goal threat. He scored in his first game and after that it has been more difficult for him to get into dangerous positions”.

Courtois and Militão’s ACL tears

“It’s very difficult to know why this kind of thing happens. We have to evaluate many things. Militão and Courtois were both is excellent physical condition. It’s not something we’re worried about, it was just bad luck.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric

“They are in really good shape, they have trained very well this week, like everyone else. We are lucky to have a week to prepare for this match, which is unusual. They are ready to play”.

The possibility of signing Barcelona’s Ansu Fati.

“He is a young man who has a lot of talent and who is going to have a great future. I’ll say no more”.

Real Madrid are the only LaLiga club not to allow TV cameras in the dressing room

“For me the dressing room is sacred place, it makes no sense to have a camera in there before a game.”

Vinícius not nominated for UEFA’s Men’s Player of the Year award for 2022-23

“It doesn’t matter much to me and I don’t think it matters much to Vinicius either. I think he has been the biggest difference maker on the field. He only lacks a bit of consistency, but he’s already progressed a lot. It’s quite strange, but it’s not that important.”