Ancelotti: “It's another must win game and we must be ready” | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media at a virtual press conference at Real Madrid City. The Italian opened by remembering Gento: "I would like to start with a tribute to Gento, a unique person who will forever be in our hearts". The coach then went on to discuss the Copa del Rey last 16 clash with Elche (Thursday, 7pm CET): "It's another must win game. A knockout match in a competition that we're looking forward to, like every competition. We're prepared and we need to be as Elche have been on a good run of form recently. We have to prepare well for them and try to get the win".

"The objective is to win the game. We want to progress and I'm going to put out the strongest possible team taking into account the fatigue of the players who played in Sunday night's Super Cup final against Athletic. Courtois is unavailable and won't be there. Asensio, Mariano, Carvajal and Vallejo are also out".

Hazard "There is competition in the team and I want to pick the best players for each game. Many players are affected by competition. I'm not going to deny it, I have to be honest. He's training and waiting to be called upon by his coach. When the call comes, the player will be ready".

Courtois' absence "He's unavailable and will be for a few days, no longer. I can't say why for privacy reasons, but I have no doubt he'll be ready for Sunday".

Bale "He's fine. He didn't come to Saudi Arabia, but trained and is available. He'll be in the squad and everyone called up has the chance to play from the start, to come on or not to play".