What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Real Madrid’s FIFA Club World Cup victory?

A 5-3 victory against Al Hilal in Rabat in Morocco means Real Madrid have now won the current incarnation of the FIFA Club World Cup on five occasions and - as recognised by FIFA - have eight ‘world titles’ to their name, two of which they have won under the guidance of current boss Carlo Ancelotti. The Italian spoke to the press following his team’s entertaining victory over the Saudi Arabians, reserving special praise for goalscorers Fede Valverde (Ancelotti said he would retire if the Uruguayan didn’t score 10 goals this season, which he now has done) and Vinícius Júnior, both of whom scored twice in the final.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say in his post-match press conference after Real Madrid’s win over Al Hilal?

General thoughts on the game and winning another trophy. “We are improving, but we have to remember that we made some mistakes at the back. The team is getting back to its best, like Karim (Benzema). Militão and Courtois too... this trophy gives us a boost for the end of the season.”

Valverde has won his bet that he would score 10 goals. “I’m grateful because I don’t want to retire. He has gone through a very difficult period. Valverde offers us a lot playing on the right.”

Vinícius has become a key figure in trophy wins. “He is progressing. He has improved along with the team. Little by little. He is doing very well; we are delighted with him because we see that he is still improving. He is much more effective, scores in almost every game and makes a difference in every game.”

You defended Vinícius and now he has been voted player of the tournament. How has the week been for him? “He has had the same kind of week as the rest of us, hurt by the defeat in Mallorca but ready to play in this tournament. We will go back to Madrid hoping that the way he has played in this tournament will give him a boost. He won’t play on Wednesday because he is suspended, so I will give him a couple of days off which will do him good, even though he isn’t showing any signs of fatigue. Quite the opposite.”

Real Madrid are now level on eight world titles with Milan. “The two clubs are like families. Berlusconi a great president, like Florentino. They are the biggest fans of the club. Real Madrid has a tradition and history and we are delighted to be part of this history.”

Overall assessment of the tournament. “We have shown the improvement that we thought we would. We’ve got the hunger to fight until the end in every competition we are in. We are in good shape for the second half of the season.”

Soccer is changing. “I am happy that soccer is improving in other places. European soccer is the strongest, but the rest are improving quickly.”

How is Tchouameni? “He has only suffered a knock, nothing else.”