La Liga football returns as the current champions of Europe and Spain are back in action tomorrow night to take on Real Valladolid away from home.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men currently sit second in the table, just two points shy of Barcelona. However, their recent form has been somewhat concerning.
Madrid have won just one of their last three games in La Liga, and two of their last five in all competitions. During this time, they have slipped below Barça in the standings despite winning El Clasico rather comfortably.
Ahead of tomorrow’s game, the experienced Ancelotti seemed chipper as always as he faced the media for his scheduled pre-game press conference.
On the team’s morale: “The team feels good. Benzema has recovered and feels perfectly.”
On the World Cup players: “All the palyers who played the World Cup are fine and ready to play.”
On Modric, Tchouameni, and Camavinga: “Modric, Tchouameni and Camavinga trained individually today but are fine and ready to play. Of course I’ll give priority to the players who trained more in the past days.”
“Modric, Tchouameni and Camavinga can play tomorrow.”
“We preferred to give Modric, Tchouameni and Camavinga some rest after the final. But the truth is, they haven’t had much rest.”
On the hectic football schedule post-WC: “Our calendar is very exigent. We are going to play many games until March.”
On the Brazil NT rumours: “The Brazil rumours? I don’t know, I want to stay at Real Madrid. I’ll never ask the club to let me go.”
On contract renewals: “Contract renewals? I’m not worried, neither is the club. All the players are focused and I’ll use them until the end.”
On Messi being the GOAT: “Messi the best in history? He’s a great player but I can’t say who’s been the best. There have been so many wonderful players… Maradona, Di Stéfano, Cruyff.. I don’t know.”
On Endrick: “Endrick? I met him last year, we talked a bit. We are very happy to have signed him. He is a great talent.”
On Courtois’ form: “Courtois? It’s not his fault if we have conceded more goals. We have not defended well. We have to improve.”
On Benzema’s being kicked out of the French NT: “I can’t say anything about France NT decisions. They evaluated Benzema’s situation and that’s it. We are sure Benzema will help us a lot this season.”
On ‘tiki-taka’ being dead: “Tiki-taka is dead? No (laughs). It’s important to have possession but also defense and counter attack. Sometimes you need that to win games.”
On winter transfers: “The winter market? Entries are closed, because we have a great squad. We don’t know about the departures, because perhaps some players who play less will want to leave.”
On Eden Hazard: “Hazard is fine, he has trained well. I see him better than before the World Cup. He’s done a good job and I’m going to use him more in this part of the season.”
Source: Real Madrid TV
