Real Madrid boss Ancelotti discusses Ramos return, Kroos and Modric futures before LaLiga game against Sevilla

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of Sunday’s LaLiga game at home to Sevilla, which will see iconic defedner Sergio Ramos return to Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. The Italian was full of praise for the 37 year old, who won four Champions Leagues in the Spanish capital, and also discussed the futures of veteran midfield duo Toni Kroos and Luka Modric, as well as Brazilian prodigy Enrick.

What did Ancelotti say in his pre-match press conference before playing Sevilla?

What do you expect from Real Madrid against Sevilla?

I expect us to continue doing what we’ve been doing this season. Staying solid, which is very demanding but which we have been doing well. We’re in a period in which we need to pick up points to take advantage of the lead we have. We’ve been working well, we’ve had time and hopefully we can perform at our best.

Will Luka Modric join Ancelotti’s coaching staff?

Have you had talks with Luka Modric about becoming part of your coaching staff?

I don’t talk about personal conversations with the media. What everyone wants, including Modric, is to be a fantastic player. I think Modric will decide his own future.

Why is Arda Güler finding it difficult to get game time?

It is a question of competition with other players. He is very young, he has to be patient, but he is good enough to start games.

Will Kroos sign a new contract with Real Madrid?

How do you feel about Toni Kroos coming out of international retirement with Germany?

He told me he was going to play with his national team again. It won’t affect his performances with us. His performances here have been at a very high level.

Would advice would you give Kroos about his future?

I am not going to advise Kroos on what to do. He is not my son... He has the mental capacity to decide about his future on his own.

Would you give Toni Kroos a contract extension?

I think that he is a very responsible person and he has a very clear idea of what his future is going to be. He wants to stop when he sees that his level has dropped... so, with that in mind, I think he will carry on.

Have you thought about other positions where Vinicius could play?

I think that Vini can also play centrally. I don’t mean as a lone centre-forward, but with a partner. He is very comfortable playing on the flank... and it has been good for him to start more centrally to be able to then pull away from defenders out wide. I want to play him where he feels most comfortable, which at the moment is on the left wing.

Ferland Mendy is available again after a suspension. What do you think of how he’s been playing?

For me, he is the best full-back in the world. He copes really well defending two against one. Mendy has it all. He’s really good at defending when he’s at a numerical disadvantage.

Sergio Ramos “a true captain, like Maldini and Terry”

Sergio Ramos returns to Real Madrid

He’ll be back tomorrow and the Bernabéu will give him a very warm welcome, as a legend like him deserves. He is a true captain, with quality, personality and character. I have been lucky to have captains like him, Maldini and Terry, among others.

How is Antonio Rüdiger after his recent injury?

He is absolutely fine and will start. Aurlélien Tchouaméni has done very well (in central defence), but Antonio is back, which gives us a confidence boost.

There are 13 LaLiga games left.

We’re not looking at the numbers. We have a lead and we have to take advantage of that. The league title is in our hands and every game is very important. The sooner we reach 80 points, the closer we will be.

What will happen with Endrick when he arrives?

We haven’t talked about it, but when he arrives he will be with the first team. I hear you talking a lot about the future and that makes me happy. Although I’m only focused on tomorrow’s game.