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LALIGA SANTANDER

What did Carlo Ancelotti say about Real Madrid’s victory over Elche and Marco Asensio?

Ancelotti praised two-goal Karim Benzema and claimed that it “doesn’t matter to him” whether Marco Asensio stays or not.

Update:
Ancelotti praised two-goal Karim Benzema and claimed that it “doesn’t matter to him” whether Marco Asensio stays or not.
JESUS ALVAREZ ORIHUELADiarioAS

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 4-0 victory over Elche at the Santiago Bernabéu, which takes them back to within eight points of LaLiga leaders Barcelona. Immediately after the final whistle, he first chatted to DAZN, who showed the match on Spanish television channel.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say in a flash interview after Real Madrid’s win against to Elche?

A very comfortable night for Real Madrid.

“It was a good match, we controlled it well. We managed things well in the final third, had many opportunities, and stopped them counterattacking. It went well at an important time in the season. We need continuity in our play, and this match was good for us in that sense.”

What does Karim Benzema mean to Real Madrid?

“He means a little bit of everything. He is not just a striker. He links up well with his teammates, is always ready in the penalty area, and helps us a lot in possession. Karim is having a fantastic career. I hope he can continue because the entire Madrid fanbase want him to play at this level.”

Alaba starting at left-back in the absence of Mendy.

“Alaba enjoys playing on the wing and pushes up more compared to Camavinga. Camavinga also pushed forward today because Rodrygo came inside a lot and Vinicius normally stays wider. In that sense, Camavinga can play a useful role for us in central midfield.”

What did Carlo Ancelotti say in his post-match press conference after Real Madrid’s win against to Elche?

A short while later, Ancelotti took part in an official post-match press conference, in which he expanded on a number of things he had been asked about right at the game.

You said before that you were wary of playing without both Kroos and Modric. Did the performances of Camavinga and Ceballos give you confidence that they would be up to the challenge of playing against Liverpool at Anfield?

“These players are ready, they have no problems playing these high-level matches. I have total confidence in everyone. I choose the best possible lineup for each match, taking into account fatigue, injuries, and everything else.”

What do you think about the controversy surrounding Barcelona paying for referee reports? Do you think they should be stripped of the titles they won?

“Sorry, but I don’t want to answer these questions. I prefer not to answer.”

What does (Real Madrid fitness coach) Antonio Pintus think about the team’s physical condition?

“At the moment, we have to take make the most of the situation we are in. The team has improved, and matches help us to get into good shape. There is no other way to do it.”

Will Modric be important from now until the end of the season? Will he renew his contract?

“Modric is an indispensable player for me. But I think that everyone is important for us. I can’t play the same eleven players in every match. I have to rotate; it’s a long and demanding season. Right now, he is getting back to top form. Kroos scored in Bilbao after coming off the bench, Modric did it today. They can also contribute with goals from the bench. I don’t know if they would agree 100% with that, but that’s what the statistics say.”

How did Rodrygo perform as a stand-in for Vinicius?

“He is more used to playing on the left. He is a complete player and can play as a second striker, on the right... He started playing in that position. But he comes infield more than Vinicius, he’s powerful, but not like Vinicius in one-on-one situations. His has different qualities.”

Will Asensio renew his contract?

“He’s doing well. I don’t know if he will stay or not. He might stay or he might not, I don’t know, and it doesn’t matter much to me. We have very big challenges coming up this season. The important thing is that he is bringing something to the team, as he did last year. Let’s hope he continues the way he’s going, and the club will make the most appropriate decision.”

You seemed to get a bit upset with the team when they took their foot off the gas at 3-0 up.

“Any moment in any match is good for building confidence, as each moment can affect the team’s mood. When you start to relax when you’re winning 3-0, problems can arise. That is what I don’t want. We’re in good form at this time of the season, and it’s important to keep our levels of concentration and commitment up.”

Is Alaba your next best left-back after Mendy?

“He is more used to the position than Camavinga is, that’s for sure. He enjoys playing out wide more than Camavinga does. He did well because Rodrygo comes inside and creates more space. Alaba has played his entire career in that position, and he hasn’t forgotten how to play there.”

Why did Camavinga play in Tchouaméni’s position?

“I rested the players who played at the Club World Cup. I wanted fresh players in midfield. It wasn’t a big deal. Camavinga can play there, and Tchouaméni is coming back. He will play the next game.”

Ceballos left the field to a standing ovation.

“He is doing what a footballer should do, being professional and making the most of the minutes I’m giving him. He’s doing everything very well, and we are pleased with him. The Bernabeu acknowledges what he’s doing, which is good for him.”