Carlo Ancelotti explains why Courtois plays ahead of Lunin, gives update on Tchouaméni’s fitness

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti faced the media on Monday ahead of the league game against Alaves.

His side are coming from yesterday’s league celebrations with their fans.

The Italian explained several things including the reason behind Thibaut Courtois playing ahead of Lunin.

On dynamics of the team

“We have to take advantage of these matches to have good dynamics. Tomorrow those who rested against Granada are going to play.”

Goalkeeper against Alaves

Ancelotti replied: “The goal is to arrive with the entire team to the fullest. Those who have returned on time like Courtois and Militão need more minutes. In the week before the final we will make the decision.”

Are you excited that Bellingham could win the pichichi?

“We are not thinking about this. We think that Bellingham’s goal has already been achieved, helping the team and surprising everyone. The pichichi is not important to us.”

Courtois possibly playing all the remaining games

“We are evaluating it. Lunin and Kepa are also going to play. It’s not going to be that simple because there aren’t many games. We are thinking about it.”

Nacho’s renewal

“Nacho has the decision in his hands. He can do whatever he wants.”

The captain of the side has been rumored to leave the Bernabéu after this season.

What does a coach think about when choosing a goalkeeper?

“I think like you. Lunin has had a great season and Courtois is the best goalkeeper in the world.”

Who are the 2-3 players who have surprised you the most?

“Difficult to say. The one I knew the least was Fran García who has done well. Joselu and Brahim have also done very well. There are players who could contribute more if I gave them more minutes. Ceballos hasn’t had the minutes he deserved for several reasons. Arda Güler could also have played more if it weren’t for the injuries. The team has surprised me in general.”

Which players could be coaches?

“I think there is quality to be coaches. You can be a coach, but you have to want to be. Considering the difficulties that coaches have, that many players who do not want to be, because they see a lot of responsibility and pressure. Carvajal, Nacho, Ceballos, Kroos, Modric…”

Youth players having minutes…

“It’s important to have Real Madrid level. Rafa Marín, Blanco, Miguel Gutiérrez… It’s very important to be able to return.”

Will Militão start if the Champions League final was tomorrow?

“Not yet. He needs minutes and I hope he can be ready for the final.”

Tchouaméni playing at Wembley?

“He doesn’t have many options, but he is not ruled out. The foot doesn’t hurt much.”

A journalist also asked Ancelotti how he is doing. He replied: “Better than ever. The honeymoon continues. I’m happy and excited. I do the press conferences without pressure, you are too affectionate. I know that sooner or later the stick arrives, but now that there is no stick I enjoy it.”

Are you afraid that there will be relaxation in the squad?

“I don’t think so. After the game against Alavés I’m going to give 3 days off. They need to rest and then we will prepare the final in the next two weeks.”

Most delicate moment of the season

“We lost a game, it was then. Since that game we have been able to understand that we have had to change. That defeat helped us change in defense that has now been good for us. It’s been a simple season thanks to the players.”

Real Madrid will face Deportivo Alaves tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabéu, corresponding to matchday 36 of the 2023/2024 La Liga season