Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke ahead of the team’s La Liga fixture against Real Sociedad, highlight in particular the form of star man Vinícius Júnior, saying, “I think he is not at his best, but he is still very important for us. We are in no hurry because the team has scored, he has been important… and the last concern for me is his condition. He always works well and it’s just a matter of time before he reaches his best level. The important thing is what he can give.”
The coach went on to add that “the explanation I find is that Brazil’s problem, which I don’t want to go into, is a general problem, they are having difficulties in finding their best version”. He continued that, “it is not a Vinícius problem, it is a general problem. We are delighted with him. He is not at his best, but we cannot forget that thanks to Vinicius we have won two Champions League titles. We have to have a lot of affection for him here at Madrid.”
Ancelotti on Real Sociedad
“We are aware that we are starting a very demanding schedule. We want to start well. We have recovered some players. We always start with illusion and desire to compete. Real Sociedad is complicated and difficult, but we have a good feeling.”
Ancelotti on the fitness of Bellingham and Tchouameni
“They are not going to play because it is a bit early. On Thursday they did a small part of the training. We will see in the next few days if they will be available on Tuesday in the Champions League.”
Ancelotti on Rodrygo
“In the nominations for the Ballon d’Or he has not been valued. He deserved to be in the 30 without any doubt. I understand that he is upset. Someone has forgotten what he has done in the Champions League, scoring against City and being important. It is a virtue that he is a wildcard, that he can play in many positions and always well.”
Ancelotti on Rodrygo comparing himself with BMV
“For him it is a motivation to compare himself with these players. For me it has the same importance as the others. He doesn’t tell me that he has a problem, he has never talked to me about it.”
Ancelotti on criticism of his attackers
“I don’t think they are affected, they are training well. Mbappé is getting better and better. Many people forget that they started on August 9. They have not been able to do preseason and they have already improved their condition with matches. They are well and happy.”
Ancelotti on whether he’s concerned about jealousy
“Of course, if it happens, I will detect it, but I don’t think so now. There is a very good and healthy atmosphere in the dressing room. There are players who are going to have more responsibility, like Vinicius, Rodrygo, the young players, who are not so young anymore?”
Ancelotti on Arda Güler and Brahim Díaz breaking into the team
“That’s a good question. If I have doubts, I will have them for a while. The doubt is to change the system or adapt a player. I can play with three midfielders…”
Ancelotti on giving players a break
“Rüdiger has had five days off, as other players have had, but the injured have been here recovering. Now that we have seven games in 20 days we have to be aware. We will rotate and keep an eye on those who returned on Thursday. Rotations will be very important.
Ancelotti on Arda Güler’s role in midfield
“He can’t play in the double pivot, but he can play inside. He is resistant. As a pivot he doesn’t have the characteristics to defend.”
Ancelotti on what he asks of Arda Güler
“To defend and attack. It’s not that complicated. He must be well positioned. Get between the lines, receive, assist. In defence he has to close inside. The work of the inside player in a 4-3-3 is much more intense than a winger.”
Ancelotti on Arda Güler’s form
“He has done well. He has done well. He’s going to have more prominence. He was a starter against Valladolid. I don’t see him as an undisputed starter. I don’t see him with that role in this squad. I don’t see any undisputed starter in this squad.”
Ancelotti on Fede Valverde’s character
“I don’t know if he is shy. But he is a player who takes more responsibility in the dressing room. We have lost some like Kroos or Nacho. There are others who are progressing like Valverde. I think he is not shy, I see a very important player for us. I am delighted, Valverde has everything a top level midfielder needs. Strength, quality, intelligence… He is a spectacular player.”
Ancelotti on transfer speculation distracting Vinícius
“I don’t know if he had an offer or not. I talk to everyone on a daily basis and we have never discussed this issue. Vinícius likes playing football so much that anything from the outside won’t bother him.”
Ancelotti on rotations
“It is not a concern to play seven matches. In this sense the evaluation is very important. Now they are in a low situation, for example, the Brazilians, who have not had time to rest or to train. Last year we had a lot of injuries, but we have endured it very well. We have to live with this.”
