real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media at Valdebebas ahead of the team’s return from the international break, with Los Blancos traveling to Andalusia to face Sevilla on Saturday. All eyes will be on the reunion between Carlo Ancelotti and Sergio Ramos, and the coach did not hesitate to reflect on their relationship, saying: “I would love to see him and say hello. Of all the players I had, I have a special affection for him. If I am here today, it is partly thanks to Sergio Ramos. Without his goal in the final, I probably would not be here. For everything he has done at this club, we all have a special affection for him and me in particular. It will be a great match for him and I am sure he will play very well. Whether he scores or not, he can do what he wanna.
Ancelotti on Rodrygo’s comments on the nine-a-side game
During the international break, Rodrygo Goes spoke publicly about how much he disliked playing as Real Madrid’s number nine, something Ancelotti was questioned about. He reacted strongly with a clear and sharp answer: “I think it is important to know where a player wants to play because I have never put a player in a position he does not like. Sometimes, but sometimes players have to sacrifice themselves, like Camavinga, Tchouameni, Rodrygo. I think he’s a complete striker who can play as a center forward, he did that in some games, against Napoli, and it’s about the team requirements and then the individual requirements. Obviously, if I put Camavinga at left-back, I tell him so and no one has ever told me he can’t. I once played Sergio Ramos as a center, obviously he didn’t like it, but he did it for the team. There is a well-defined word called altruism.
Ancelotti on the physical fitness of his players
The coach trained with his group on Friday morning and gave an update on his physical condition, saying: “The team is good, those who came back did so in good shape. The latest returnees from South America have recovered well and trained well today. Everyone is available, including Alaba who has recovered. Ceballos had a slight problem on Thursday and will not be available this week. It’s going to be an important week, we think we’re in a good position to take on this week.
Ancelotti on internationals coming from South America
Asked specifically about those coming from South America, with the complications of jet lag and long-distance travel, Ancelotti insisted: “From what I saw today, they all seem to have recovered well and looking fresh, obviously we have to look at that, but after in practice I think they are ready to start and finish the game.
Ancelotti on international teams using his players
Ancelotti was also asked if he thought international coaches were perhaps a little selfish in their use of players, citing Antonio Rüdiger as an example after playing two friendlies in the United States with Germany. The coach explained: “We’re all a little selfish. Everyone has their role and, as I have said several times, I do not like to talk about what others are doing. If the German national team thinks Rüdiger should play, he should, he’s a little tired but he’s recovered. The schedule is a little too tight.
Ancelotti on his future
A journalist informed Carlo Ancelotti that Saturday would be his 1,300th match as manager, before also questioning his future. “Thank you for telling me!” he joked, before answering the question by saying: “Obviously I’m very happy here, but I’m also a little selfish yes, I think you have to do your job well. You asked me a difficult question, do you want to know if I want to renew or not? I won’t talk about my future, my future is tomorrow and Wednesday.
Ancelotti on possibility of accepting Brazil job
After being recognized at Parma during the break, rumors of a future job with Brazil swirled, but Ancelotti refused to wade into the subject, saying: “I was left with the emotion of being at Parma where everything started, with all these emotions. There are a lot of rumors and I think soon everything will be clear.”
Ancelotti on a young midfielder
Asked about his midfield selections throughout the season, Ancelotti highlighted the demands of the schedule and the need for rotation: “I think these youngsters can help us, we have had a few weeks to prepare for this game, so we don’t need to rotate because the players are tired. Then we have games every three days and we need the whole team to be motivated to be ready. This midfielder doesn’t have been repeated but it could be.
Ancelotti on refereeing controversies
Following an interview with Xavier Estrada Fernández and claims of a secret VAR room, Ancelotti appeared reluctant to comment on the accusations. He said: “I don’t know if there was a room or not, I don’t want to get involved in that. There are much more important subjects, I will let the referees work as best they can without too much pressure because they already have a lot.
Ancelotti on Arda Güler
Giving an update on midfielder Arda Güler, Ancelotti revealed: “He is training well, he lacks a bit of physical condition and in 10 days, two weeks, we think he will be ready. He can play like an offensive player who can play in many positions, center forward, playmaker, winger, on his weaker foot he can play in many places.
Ancelotti on adapting Güler
On top of that, the Italian admitted that the start of his life in Madrid has been difficult, with injuries preventing the young Turk from making his debut until now. He explained: “Everyone dedicates time to Arda, he is young and has to adapt. He’s not happy because he wanted to start differently but he has all the time in the world to do it right and he’s almost ready. He is ready to show his enormous ability.
Ancelotti on Joan Laporta’s claims about ‘sociological madrilism’
Asked about Barcelona president Joan Laporta’s claims that his corruption accusation is part of a wider problem, Ancelotti replied: “I say what I said before, when talking about racism, we should not not distract us from the very serious matter which is the courts. investigate and we must let them work and decide what they should do. Everything else, all the words, are a way of diverting attention which is not good for justice.”
Ancelotti on what worries him about Sevilla
Faced with a new coach in the person of Diego Alonso, Ancelotti was keen to underline the demands of an opponent like Sevilla. He said: “There are a lot of things that worry me. Sevilla is going to be a demanding match, they have changed coaches and have a quality squad. It will be a difficult match, as always. What worries me the most is that we forgot all the good work we did before the break, we played very well and can now get back to that level.
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