What did Carlo Ancelotti say before Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg against Barcelona?

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti spoke to a packed press room on Wednesday ahead of Thursday’s Copa del Rey semi-final first leg Clásico against arch rivals Barcelona. The Italians clarified some things regarding team selection and left a few others up in the air, all while emphasising the importance of the competition to the club. Another trophy is just 270 minutes away...

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-Barcelona press conference

Thursday’s game: “We’re confident, as always. It’s about showing personality and courage. We are excited about the game. These are the games that you have to enjoy and try to do your best in”.

Over-dependence on Vinícius? “That’s a positive thing. Vinícius is one of the best players in the world so depending on him is normal. He is one of the best in world soccer”.

How does the match compare to the last Clásico (a 3-1 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final in January)?: “In the Super Cup we lacked commitment and conviction. We made mistakes. I don’t think we’ll repeat them. It is a very important match. We are very close to winning a competition that is important to us. Although tomorrow’s game won’t be decisive”.

Vinícius vs Ronald Araújo: “Vinícius doesn’t need any advice. We’re not going to change. Araújo is a very tough defender, but it will be an entertaining match-up. Hopefully, Vini can come out on top”.

Rodrygo’s improvement and Eden Hazard’s role: “Hazard is fine. He wants to get some game time. Rodrygo has trained today and it looks like he’ll be OK. We’ll make the decision about who’s in the matchday squad later”.

Aurélien Tchouaméni’s fitness and competition with Eduardo Camavinga: “For me, the important thing is that Tchouaméni is in good shape and can start the game without any problems. Camavinga is doing very well for us, which is very good for us”.

Waryness of the match officials: “Right now, I don’t think there is any corruption going on. Right now. I don’t know who the referee will be, but he’ll try to do the best he can”.

The snub for Karim Benzema at The Best FIFA Football Awards: “I don’t know what Karim has done. But what he’s done for us is clear for all to see. He’s really helped us. Hopefully, we can show him how much we appreciate him this year too. We’re coming to a crucial point of the season and having Karim with us means we have a better chance of winning trophies”.

Antonio Rüdiger’s troubles: “He is always concentrated and focused. He can still improve on the ball, but defensively the team is more solid. He and Eder Militão have formed a solid central defensive partnership”.

Toni Kroos and Luka Modric may not start

A Clásico without Toni Kroos and Luka Modric? “It could happen. You’ll find out tomorrow. We have to take into account the many different things we need. Kroos might not be in the starting eleven because of his energy but instead because of his personality, courage and experience. That’s where Kroos has an advantage. Leaving out players of his quality makes you think”.

Excited for El Clásico: “We’re not up for it because we’re looking for revenge, but because we are close to winning a trophy. The stakes are higher.

What would be a good season for you?: “So far, we have two points fewer in LaLiga compared to last year. But we didn’t make it as far as the Copa del Rey semi-final and we lost in the first leg of the round of 16 of the Champions League. We are where we deserve to be.”

The Best FIFA Football Awards: “They’re not too important. The World Cup had a big impact on the awards. It’s clear that Argentina were deserved winners, so it’s normal that Messi, Martínez and Scaloni won the awards. Personally, I congratulate them”.

Is Camavinga now a regular starter?: “I still don’t know what the starting team will be. I choose one for each match. I don’t have a preferred starting eleven, really”.

Importance of Copa del Rey

Copa del Rey: “It’s a competition that isn’t the most important one on the face of things, but it becomes important once you’ve reached the semi-final. When you get here, with a trophy within touching distance, it’s important. In the end, the Copa del Rey becomes important”.

Will tomorrow’s game have an impact on LaLiga?: “It’s a different competition. In 270 minutes, you can win a trophy”.

Who would you have voted for in The Best Awards?: “It’s quite normal, they are footballers of the highest level. I can’t vote for my three players, I have a conflict of interest. I am a Madrid man”.

The possibility of knocking out Barça: “It’s a different competition, it will be an entertaining game. It is 180-minute game with the chance to reach the final”.