Ancelotti’s press conference highlights ahead of Villarreal-Real Madrid

Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s crucial match against Villarreal, providing updates on player fitness, team dynamics, and his strategic approach as they prepare for an important final.

Key Points from Ancelotti’s Press Conference:

Match Preparation:

Focus on Final: Ancelotti emphasized the importance of playing at 100% to prepare for the final, citing their recent strong performances against Granada and Alavés where they scored nine goals and conceded none.

He stated, “The best way to prepare for the final is to play at 100%. We have done very well against Granada and against Alavés. It will also be like this in Vila-real.

I have said very little in these last two games, we have scored nine goals and conceded zero. I’m thinking about talking even less, things are going well.”

Villarreal Match: The match against Villarreal is seen as critical for maintaining competitive rhythm and good team dynamics, especially as Villarreal has significant stakes in the match.

Ancelotti said, “We approach it as a preparation for the final, we travel with the entire squad and we take it as an important match to have a competitive rhythm and a good attitude and dynamic. Villarreal plays a lot. The objective is to maintain the good dynamic.”

Player Updates:

Éder Militão: Ancelotti confirmed that Militão is close to 100% fitness and could start in the final. He will play against Villarreal to gain more minutes and is nearing his best form.

“It could be that he starts in the final, he is close to 100%. He was missing minutes and he is taking them. He will play tomorrow and I see him very close to his best level. It is an option that we have,” Ancelotti noted.

Andriy Lunin: Lunin is set to play against Villarreal, despite Thibaut Courtois being ready for the final. Ancelotti praised Lunin’s fantastic season and Courtois’ return to top form. “Lunin is going to play tomorrow,” he confirmed.

Toni Kroos: Ancelotti described Kroos as clear, sincere, and honest, qualities he greatly admires. He remarked, “Toni as a person is a German.

I feel very German in that sense, I don’t speak much, I prefer to listen… When he has to say something, he says it clearly. He has few doubts, he is quite clear, he is sincere, very honest, a profile that I like.”

Luka Modric: He highlighted Modric’s exceptional qualities both as a player and a person, affirming that they have never had any issues and respect each other deeply.

“I have never had a problem with Modric, before being a player at a top level, one of the best in the world, he is even more spectacular as a person. We have never had a problem, nor will we ever have one. We respect each other a lot,” Ancelotti said.

Team Dynamics:

Generational Transition: Ancelotti stated that the generational transition within the team has been calm and could continue, though it remains an ongoing process. “Until now it has been a calm transition that continues. It may continue, or not,” he said.

Upcoming Final: With no doubts about the team’s preparations, Ancelotti focuses on getting everyone ready and making the best possible decisions for the final on June 1.

He stated, “We have no doubts. I have no doubt what I should do until June 1, which is to prepare everyone as best as possible. And then, make the most correct decision. We have rested and now we have two weeks to put point to the team for the final.”

On Xavi:

Ancelotti avoided commenting on Barcelona’s coach Xavi, expressing respect for him both as a person and a coach, and acknowledging the good work he has been doing.

“I don’t want to comment on the subject of Xavi, I have a lot of respect for him, as a person and as a coach. For the work he is doing, it is a very good job. I wish him the best for the future,” he said.

Training and Injuries:

Training Status: Real Madrid has returned to training after a three-day rest, with sessions held in Valdebebas. The team trains without Tchouameni and Alaba due to injuries, while Carvajal, who suffered a minor foot injury against Alavés, is back training with the team.

Ancelotti noted, “The team has been training since 11:00 in Valdebebas. He does it without the two already expected injuries, Tchouameni and Alaba.

Carvajal suffered a small mishap with his right foot, in which he received a stomp during the duel against Alavés, but he resolved it without problems and was able to continue working with the rest of his teammates.”

Ancelotti’s concise and strategic communication reflects his focus on maintaining the team’s momentum and readiness as they approach the season’s decisive moments.