What did Carlo Ancelotti say about free agent Trent Alexander-Arnold?

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti gave his first press conference of the New Year to look ahead to the team’s opening game of 2025 against Valencia.

Friday’s clash at Mestalla is the rescheduled Week 12 league game that was postponed as a mark of respect for the victims of the DANA flooding disaster which claimed the lives of 223 people in the Valencia region.

And with the start of a new year, the January transfer window officially opens - a period in which Real Madrid rarely do business but have made this one an exception. Madrid have spotted an opportunity to snaffle Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold at a bargain price, or for free when his contract expires in June. They have been eligible to negotiate with the player’s agents since Wednesday.

Both Ancelotti and his Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot have kept on the margins when it comes to players' contracts but in this afternoon’s press conference, the Madrid coach was asked about the club’s involvement and plans for the winter window.

He also spoke about the Dani Olmo case, Vinicius, Alaba... as well as tomorrow’s game against a Valencia side who have a new coach, are second from bottom and staring relegation in the face.

After an unforgettable 2024, 2025 starts with a very demanding month with nine games in January. What will be the keys to tomorrow’s match?

We’re starting a new challenge tomorrow with enthusiasm. It will be a demanding match, Valencia have brought in a new coach and playing them has always been difficult for us. We want to start the year well. It is a very important match as it’s a chance to reduce the gap in the table. The team is doing well. The days off have gone well. Everyone has returned motivated and in top form.

Ancelotti focused on January’s packed schedule

Have you now had a meeting to discuss the transfer market?

Well, talking about this matter is a bit more complicated. We’ll see. The only thing I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focused on that. That’s all. Talking about the market is not easy for me right at this moment.

What is your take on the Dani Olmo case? What do you think when Barcelona is unable to register a player?

I don’t know all of the details of the matter. All I can say is that I respect all the clubs, institutions and rules. But since I don’t know the details, I can’t answer.

Do you expect the same hostile atmosphere at Mestalla after the club’s solidarity following the DANA disaster?

We are thinking about what we might encounter out on the pitch. An opponent that has changed its coach and usually when that happens, players can be more motivated. For me [Rubén] Baraja did a fantastic job, but these things happens in football. They a new coach with new ideas. We expect a demanding match. We have to focus on the match and nothing else.

At the last press conference you said you had made it alive to 2024. And now, Madrid remain alive an in the battle in 2025, so what happens next?

What now? We have games to win, as always, so there’s nothing new compared to 2024. In November we went through a negative moment to which the team reacted very well. The team is now very motivated and in better shape. And we have recovered players. [David] Alaba has started training with us. So far, everything is good. The atmosphere is good and we must be able to maintain it with just one thing, which is winning games.

Ancelotti noncommittal when asked about Madrid’s transfer dealings in January

You said you don’t want to talk about the winter transfer window - is that because Madrid will be looking to sign someone, it’s not the right moment or because something might happen?

No, I don’t want to talk, because I think it’s not the right moment to talk about these issues here. I’ve said we’ll see what happens, so we will see - bearing in mind that I’m delighted with the squad I have. We’ve also had difficulties but in spite of that, we’ve always been able to find a solution.

How is Vinicius?

Vinicius is doing very well. The players' holidays have been good for them. He’s feeling fresh, excited and motivated by the awards he has received in recent days. Focused on making a difference tomorrow.

As Real Madrid coach you have suffered two defeats in the first game after the Christmas break. Are you worried about the return from the holidays?

Thanks for telling me. I had forgotten about that... Apparently, I see the team motivated and focused these days. I will make sure to tell them tomorrow, so it can be an extra motivation for them.

Will you be able to carry out your rest plan?

Maybe. We are thinking about doing something. Now we have a more complete squad, more rotations. When Alaba returns we will have the opportunity to rotate a little further back, which is the position in which we have suffered a little more. Next week he will start playing games. He is very close. From the 20th...

How do you study the rival when you face a team that has a new coach?

We have looked at how [Carlos] Corberán worked with his strategy at West Brom. And then you have to see how he can adapt it to the characteristics of the players. Valencia, given the way they played with Baraja, was a team that was close to him. We have considered both things.

Madrid can knock Atleti off top spot tomorrow. Did you expect Barça’s decline?

Nobody expected it, but the level of competitiveness in the league lowers the points you need to win the title a little. The fact that Atlético is there also creates uncertainty and I think that less than 90 points will be needed to be champions.

Which team do you see as your biggest rival for the League, Atlético or Barcelona?

Both of them. What happened to us in November is what happened to Barcelona in December. You have a slump and then you become competitive like before. Barcelona and Atlético have the same chances of competing in the League with us.