Ahead of the crucial match against Rayo Vallecano on Saturday, Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, addressed the media to discuss various topics, including the performance of Aurelien Tchouameni. Ancelotti expressed his gratitude for Tchouameni’s willingness to play out of position, highlighting his commitment and selflessness. He stated, “I would like to extend my thanks for his dedication and altruism. He plays in a different role without complaints and consistently gives his best effort. His performance in recent matches against Atalanta and Girona was exceptional, contributing to our victories. He is a vital player, a unique asset in the market, especially during these challenging times for the team.”

Ancelotti Prepares for the Challenging Clash Against Rayo Vallecano

Discussing the upcoming match, Ancelotti noted, “It will be a challenging encounter; Rayo Vallecano has always posed difficulties for us. They play with a high intensity and showcase impressive skills. However, we approach this match with confidence. The team has had a good recovery period following an extra day of rest, which has helped boost our morale. We are entering this match with enthusiasm and a strong desire to secure the win.”

Ancelotti Highlights Bellingham’s Leadership Qualities

When asked about Jude Bellingham‘s role within the team, Ancelotti emphasized the significance of his leadership. “I cannot say for sure, but it is crucial for our team’s dynamics. His teammates look up to him not just for his talent but also for his remarkable attitude and performance on the field. Bellingham’s presence adds a layer of commitment and determination that is invaluable to our squad, making him an essential player in our pursuit of success.”

Ancelotti Discusses Squad Rotation Strategies Amid Injuries

Ancelotti acknowledged the challenges of squad rotation, stating, “It is indeed true that I have the option to rotate players if we have more available. However, with a limited squad of only 14-15 players, this becomes quite complicated. We are fielding very young players, and it is not always beneficial to thrust them into action, especially during tough matches. There’s considerable discussion surrounding Endrick and his limited playing time; many wonder why I haven’t given him more minutes. It’s essential to understand that he is still very young and needs time to adapt, improve, and learn. Throwing him into the fray during challenging moments might be counterproductive, potentially hindering his development rather than aiding it. I must consider all these factors carefully.”

Ancelotti Responds to Criticism Regarding Player Rotation

Addressing the criticism aimed at his rotation policy, Ancelotti firmly stated, “No, that’s simply not the reality, and that’s why it doesn’t affect me. I remain focused on the well-being of the team and the strategies that best support our goals.”

Ancelotti Reflects on Confidence Boost from Victory Against Atalanta

Reflecting on the recent victory against Atalanta, Ancelotti noted its significance, saying, “Yes, this win was a pivotal moment for us. We faced a challenging night, but the team exhibited immense commitment and attitude. The collective effort was commendable, and it was a complete performance that instills optimism moving forward. While we recognize the importance of Wednesday’s game, our immediate focus remains on the match ahead.”

Ancelotti Provides Updates on Injuries to Star Players

Regarding the injuries to key players, Ancelotti provided insights, stating, “Kylian Mbappé’s situation is not serious; he will not be available for the match tomorrow, but he will travel to Qatar for further assessment. As for Eduardo Camavinga, he is fit and will be available for selection.”

Ancelotti Praises Vinicius Jr’s Outstanding Performance Against Atalanta

Ancelotti praised Vinicius Jr‘s performance, asserting, “For us, he remains the best in the world, demonstrating exceptional humility. His level of play does not come as a surprise, given his remarkable talent and work ethic.”

Ancelotti Shares Insights on Guardiola’s Coaching Philosophy

When asked about Pep Guardiola, Ancelotti remarked, “I don’t offer him any advice, as my perspective on him remains unchanged despite recent results. I respect him as an innovator in our sport. While we can manage many aspects of our teams, the outcome of matches is ultimately beyond our control.”

Ancelotti Emphasizes Team Effort in Supporting Endrick’s Development

Regarding Endrick, Ancelotti stated, “It’s not solely on him to make strides; the entire team plays a role in his development. He is very young and has one of the world’s top strikers ahead of him. Patience is key; while he naturally desires more playing time, he has not expressed any demands. We must allow him to continue learning in this environment, and that is the most important thing.”

Ancelotti Analyzes the Sources of Mbappe’s Physical Issues

Ancelotti discussed the challenges surrounding Mbappé’s physical condition, saying, “It’s somewhat complicated to pinpoint the exact causes. During his recent breaks, he has been resting and working hard… who can say for sure? Thankfully, his injury appears to be minor, and he should not lose the progress he has made in recent times.”