What did Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti say after his team’s LaLiga draw against Real Sociedad?

Real Madrid have slipped two further points off the pace at the top of LaLiga after playing out an entertaining goalless draw against Real Sociedad at Estadio Santiago Bernabéu. Barcelona’s 1-0 win away to Girona 24 hours earlier means Carlo Ancelotti’s men are now five points adrift of their rivals at the halfway stage of the season. Next up for Madrid is a home fixture against Valencia on Thursday, which follows Barça’s difficult-looking trip to Real Betis.

Ancelotti spoke to the media after Los Blancos’ draw at home to La Real. Despite dropping two points, the Italian revealed he was satisfied with the team’s showing and all the chances they created when he spoke to Spanish broadcaster Movistar at full-time.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say in a flash interview after Real Madrid’s comeback against Villarreal?

What did you think of the game and your team’s performance?

I’m satisfied, the team played very well. I think we pushed for the full 90 minutes, playing with lots of intensity. Real Sociedad didn’t play as they usually do, we put pressed them high up the pitch. You couldn’t tell that we’d played extra-time on Thursday, we kept our intensity up until the end.

What did you think of Eduardo Camavinga’s display?

He did well, he’s not used to it (playing at left-back), but between him and Vinicius, they created a lot of chances on that flank.

Why did you only make two changes?

In the end, Asensio took Valverde’s place as one of the midfield three. Rodrygo played more on the wing but came infield; he knows how to move between positions. It was difficult to make changes, nobody deserved to be come off. Valverde and Ceballos played very well. I was happy with how the team were playing and I didn’t want to disrupt that, we played a good game. But of course, if you don’t score... I’m satisfied overall though.

Barcelona strengthen their lead at the top of LaLiga.

We’re five points behind, we need to get a move on.

What did Carlo Ancelotti say in his post-match press conference after Real Madrid’s draw against Real Sociedad?

A few minutes later, Madrid boss Ancelotti took part in an official post-match press conference, where he expanded on a number of things he had been asked about in the immediate aftermath of the draw.

What was missing from the performance?

Real Sociedad never played the way they wanted to play, we played well with and without the ball. We were unlucky, that sometimes happens.

Did the substitutions make the team worse?

It was difficult to make changes because everyone was playing well, it was simply to bring on some fresh legs. Those who came off were playing well.

Analysis of the first half of the season.

Barcelona have done very well so far, but it’s a long season. January has been tough, but we’ve improved defensively. We’ll be able to put up a fight in the coming months. Things are starting to get better. Injured players will be back this week. We’re confident about the months ahead.

Has Eduardo Camavinga convinced you he can play at left-back?

I thought he played well. It’s an option for us. But he shows his quality and energy. He links up well with Vinícius on that wing.

He was chosen to play at left-back ahead of natural defenders.

The energy he has means he can play in central midfield or as a full-back.

Vinícius’ performance.

If he had scored, he would’ve had an incredible game. He’s playing consistenly well.

Dani Ceballos has cemented his place in the team.

He’s playing at a very high level. He contributes a lot.

Nacho has had to go back to playing at full-back. He says he wants to enjoy playing.

He has gone through a period where he hasn’t played much. I don’t care where. Today he did his job, he played well at right-back. We pressed well. Real Sociedad weren’t able to play the game they wanted to play.

Could Real Sociedad win the league?

It’s still too early to say.

Will any players join or leave the club before the end of the transfer window?

Nobody will be coming in or going out, no.