On Saturday night Real Madrid will face Getafe, and in Catalonia, Barcelona has the opportunity to win La Liga while Real Madrid will face a Getafe that is competing for a spot to stay in the league. The race for the crown is all but over.
Carlo Anclooti appeared for media talk ahead of the Getafe match, The first team’s most prominent absences are Karim Benzema, David Alaba, and Rodrygo Goes. Given that they did not participate in today’s morning practice. It is still unclear if they will be included in the final squad for the Getafe match.
In preparation for the second leg against Manchester City on Wednesday night for a position in the Champions League final. Carlo Ancelotti would reportedly rest his best players, but after the press conference it’s unclear. The Italian manager was questioned on a variety of topics, including the starting lineup against Getafe, Rüdiger or Militão on Wednesday night, the conversation with Florentino Perez following Real Sociedad, and much more.
On the match against Getafe:
“We are doing quite well. We have a few doubts with some players who picked up knocks in Tuesday’s game. Ceballos and Mendy are back and they can play tomorrow. The team is well and motivated to win tomorrow.”
On the first 60 min against City:
“Tuesday’s game is not the subject on our minds today, but it was a game that had many facets. With an eye on the defensive facet and offensively we were good. The focus is on tomorrow’s game.”
IF Guardiola and Ancelotti are the best coaches:
“No, there are many others.”
On the “Remontadas”:
“It’s difficult to explain, but there is one. The ‘Vamos Real, hasta el final’, it’s like a second surname. We are delighted with what basketball has been able to do. Very happy with this and let’s move on.”
On Rüdiger or Militão against Manchester City:
“Every time I have more doubts… It means how good the team is. I’ll be in doubt until the last hour on Wednesday.”
(Photo by David S. Bustamante/Soccrates/Getty Images)
On the starting eleven:
“Courtois is going to play tomorrow… and Vini too, I don’t know if he’s going to play from the start but he’s going to play tomorrow. Of course I have to take everything into account, the players who don’t play and not take any risks. Tomorrow’s game demands a lot from us against a team that is fighting not to be relegated. We need freshness and energy.”
On rotations for tomorrow’s match:
“No, I wouldn’t understand it. There are many teams that choose the matches… it’s not our case. I want to preserve the players who are tired, but those who are well will go out on the pitch. Tomorrow’s team will be very competitive. I can’t give the eleven now because I don’t want to give an advantage to my friend Bordalás.”
On Rodrygo Goes:
“The statistics say that he has played almost all or all the important games. The team handles the presence of three wingers very well. Kroos’ position as a pivot has also worked out well. Rodrygo has done well and has contributed a lot in the games he has played.”
On Thibaut Courtois:
“Courtois has enormous quality… and we are lucky to have a goalkeeping coach who is working very well with the goalkeepers. His work with the team is almost daily, because we train with him the exit of the ball, the goalkeeper is important… and I always think that a goalkeeper has to use his hands better than his feet. But he is able to do both.”
On Conversation with Florentino Perez after Real Sociedad:
“The last time I spoke to Florentino was yesterday. The club is happy and motivated with us.”
On positive things against Getafe:
“The games have the requirement to play the best we can… and win them. A good game tomorrow keeps you in a good dynamic.”
On José Bordalás:
“I have spoken to him and we have had a good time together. I like his way of understanding life… and I wish him all the best.”
On Ceballos and Asensio’s future:
“It’s a decision the players have to make and I think they will make it soon.”
On Vinícius Júnior:
“At the moment, Vinícius, if he’s not the best… he’s there. He is a very decisive player who contributes a lot with his assists and goals.”
Featured image: (Photo by PIERRE-PHILIPPE MARCOU / AFP)