Ancelotti talks Camavinga, Benzema, Modric, Alaba ahead of Real Madrid vs Valencia | OneFootball

Real Madrid smell trouble at the Santiago Bernabeu as the gear up to face Valencia at home. They dropped points against Real Sociedad on the weekend, enabling Barcelona to go five point clear at the top of La Liga.

Not to mention, Madrid’s schedule ahead looks a bit too difficult for anyone’s liking, with the Club World Cup, away trips to Liverpool, Barcelona, Real Betis, and even Real Sociedad on the cards.

Should Madrid come out of this unscathed, Carlo Ancelotti should and would be held in all his glory – yet again. The man, the myth, the legend spoke to the media as part of his pre-game press conference earlier today.

On the Real Sociedad game: “We played a very good game vs Sociedad. It was. complete performance. We are improving in every aspect.”

On Ferland Mendy’s injury: “Camavinga played as an LB because it was an emergency. Alaba and Nacho can play there. But Camavinga is also very good in that position.”

“Camavinga will play as a left-back tomorrow.”

On their defence: “Our defence is more solid now. We only conceded one goal – vs Atletico – across the last three games.”

On the title race: “Five points between us and Barcelona? We feel confident. We feel good and we know we can fight for all the titles.”

On winter signings: “We did not buy any players in January because we planned the squad in the summer. And it was a very good plan. We do not need anybody.”

On Benzema-Modric exit rumours: “Benzema and Modric to Saudi Arabia? I think two legends like them have to retire at Real Madrid. They have to stay.”

On Carvajal and Tchouameni: “They are back and 100% ready to play.”

“Tchouameni will start tomorrow.”

On Ceballos: “He has the same qualities of Luka Modric. He can replace him in the future.”

On Fran Garcia: “We thought it would have been good for him to stay at Rayo Vallecano and improve there.”

On players not getting minutes: “Mariano, Odriozola, Hazard, Vallejo don’t play? It’s simple. Other players are playing. I’m here to win games, not give the players minutes.”

On titles: “We will never sacrifice a competition to focus on another. We are close to win the Copa, we will play the most important tournament – UCL – and we will fight until the end for La Liga.”

On the hectic calendar: “The schedule is crazy. There is a limit, and they have crossed the line. We love playing many games, but the problem is the tiredness of the players.”

On Alaba: “He should be back for the Club World Cup.”

Source: Real Madrid TV