Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Vinicius, Rodrygo, Brahim, Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid vs Celta Vigo | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to take on Celta Vigo on Sunday, with Los Blancos looking to further consolidate their position at the top of the league table.

Real Madrid currently have a five-point lead over second-placed Barcelona, but they do have a game in hand. That means a win against Celta Vigo could help them once again bridge the gap to eight points.

A defeat or even a draw, however, could prove to be costly, especially with Barça and Real Madrid slated to face each other next month.

Speaking ahead of this important encounter, Carlo Ancelotti addressed various issues heading into the game, including Jude Bellingham’s suspension, along with Barcelona’s form following Xavi’s announcement of a departure.

“Now we all have a lot at stake. We are more involved than ever and a different attitude and intensity is needed. We didn’t do well in the last game and tomorrow we need to show another different side,” Ancelotti said about the game.

Talking about Real Madrid’s performance in recent matches, the coach added, “Girona’s game was the best game of the season, then we lowered the level a little and it made us think about how to do better.

To say that we are very worried, no. We evaluated things critically, trying to improve. It was missing attitude and intensity against Leipzig.”

Highlighting the key aspects of the game against Leipzig, the coach further added, “Against Leipzig, it was a psychological aspect. We have always had a great defensive attitude. In the tie against them, we did not have a single minute in danger in the tie.”

Regarding Real Madrid’s relative underperformance in the second leg, Ancelotti refused to blame psychological fatigue.

“It has been evident that the team has played, with an advantage, a little worried. But I don’t think it is psychological fatigue. We went out a little more thinking that we had that advantage. It has always happened to me. Against Schalke, Chelsea. We have to think how to do it,” he clarified.

Ancelotti acknowledged Real Madrid’s underperformance against Leipzig (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Ancelotti went on to address the Bellingham suspension and the rationale behind Real Madrid’s appeal to the CAS.

“We appealed because we thought the sanction was exaggerated. It was not an insult. I hope they did not take the player’s license plate because he protests like everyone else or even in a less exaggerated way than others. We still think that the sanction is not correct,” he said.

The appeal was, of course, not considered and Bellingham would thus be unavailable against Celta Vigo. Ancelotti, though, has no shortage of options and is reportedly counting on Brahim Diaz to replace the Englishman.

“There may be changes tomorrow, yes. I have to bring a little freshness. Without Bellingham, on a defensive level not much changes, but there will be less presence in the area,” Ancelotti said when asked about potential changes to the starting eleven.

Talking about individual players, the Real Madrid coach brought up the injustice faced by Vinicius Junior in Spain.

“I have never found a player as persecuted as Vinicius. They tell him all sorts of things. Everyone has to change their attitude towards Vinicius,” he said.

Ancelotti heaped praise on Vinicius’ Brazilian compatriot, adding, “Rodrygo is a success. He has allowed us to win the Champions League two years ago. This year he has not had continuity in goals but he has in work. When we need him he is there.”

As for Brahim Diaz and his national team dilemma, the Italian refused to comment, stating, “It’s his topic. He’s thinking about it but I haven’t talked about it with him.”.

Finally, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about the title race even though Real Madrid still have a significant advantage at the top of the table. The Italian specifically mentioned Barcelona’s form.

“Do we notice the pressure from Barça? The pressure is that the league is still open despite the advantage we have. Until math says otherwise, we have to fight for everything,” he said.

“Each game is very complicated. It was difficult for Barça last night and tomorrow, it will be complicated for us,” he added.

Source: Mundo Deportivo