Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal | OneFootball

Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal | OneFootball

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ยท6 October 2024

Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Article image:Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media following his teamโ€™s victory against Villarreal, where he provided updates on two key players, Dani Carvajal and Vinicius Jr.

Carvajalโ€™s situation, in particular, has raised concerns. Ancelotti confirmed that the Spanish defender has sustained a knee injury that seems โ€œquite serious.โ€


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However, the coach was cautious in revealing further details, stressing that they must wait for the medical evaluation to fully assess the extent of the injury.

โ€œWeโ€™ll wait for the medical evaluation. The doctor has said that he has a knee injury but we have to wait for tests. Hopefully, it will be as minor as possible,โ€ said the manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

The initial reports, though, point towards a serious ACL injury, which could potentially end Carvajalโ€™s season early.

He said that The Real Madrid dressing room is understandably shaken by the news, as Carvajal is a crucial player in the squad. His experience and professionalism have made him a cornerstone in Ancelottiโ€™s plans, and his absence will be felt deeply.

โ€œThe dressing room is sad and worried, just like Dani. He is a very, very important player for us, fundamental to his experience, seriousness, and professionalism. We will wait,โ€ he added.

Vinicius Jr. is injured too

Article image:Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Vincius Jr. has an injured neck. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

The manager also gave an update on Vinicius Jr., who sustained a neck injury after a bad fall in the second half of the match.

Vinicius was forced to ask for a substitution due to severe pain, and like Carvajal, he will undergo medical tests to determine the severity of the injury. Ancelotti remarked that Viniciusโ€™ neck is โ€œcompletely blocked,โ€ adding to the teamโ€™s concerns.

โ€œVinicius has a problem with his neck and is completely blocked, he is in a lot of pain and will also be tested tomorrow.โ€

Despite these setbacks, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with how his team managed the game. He praised their discipline and focus, especially after taking the lead.

โ€œWe played with order and attitude, without too much intensity. From the 1-0 we managed the game well, defending compactly. It could have been a tricky game and we got through it correctly,โ€ noted the manager.

On Camavinga and Valverde

Article image:Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Eduardo Camavinga played as a pivot. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

In terms of tactics, Ancelotti discussed Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverdeโ€™s roles in the midfield. Camavinga, who played as part of a double pivot with Valverde, is still regaining fitness after a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

After 70 minutes, Camavinga asked to be substituted due to fatigue. Ancelotti acknowledged the importance of Camavingaโ€™s role but noted that he is not yet at full match sharpness.

โ€œToday we played a double pivot with Federico [Valverde]. [Camavinga] is lacking a bit of fitness because he has been out for more than a month and is not at his best.

โ€œAfter 70 minutes he was tired and asked me to change him. It is important for us.โ€

Article image:Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Federico Valverde scored the opening goal for Real Madrid. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Valverde, on the other hand, continues to impress. He scored a crucial goal, the result of a planned strategic play, and his versatility and intelligence make him a valuable asset in various positions on the pitch.

โ€œWe talked about it this morning and it helps us to take advantage of shots from the front. These are resources that we have.

โ€œThere are players with good shots: Vinicius, and Valverde. And it has worked out well for us.

โ€œValverde has many qualities: he is fast, strong, intelligentโ€ฆ On the field, wherever I put him, he always does his job,โ€ said Ancelotti.

Modric and injuries

Regarding Luka Modric, Ancelotti reiterated the Croatianโ€™s importance to the team, especially in the years he has worked with him. Modric remains a vital figure, regardless of how many minutes he plays, contributing both on and off the pitch.

โ€œIn the years that I have coached him, he has been fundamental for the team. Whatever the minutes.

Article image:Ancelotti talks Carvajal, Vinicius, Valverde, Camavinga, Modric after Real Madrid 2-0 Villarreal

Carlo Ancelotti says Carvajalโ€™s injury should motivate the rest of the team. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Ancelotti concluded by reflecting on how injuries like Carvajalโ€™s impact the entire team, but he urged the squad to use these challenges as motivation, much like they did last season.

โ€œWhen something like Daniโ€™s happens, it affects all the players and the entire team, but we have to react.

โ€œWe have to do it again, so that all these injuries are a great motivation for the rest of the squad, as they were last year,โ€ said the Italian.

The team will now need to regroup and find ways to cope with the potential long-term absence of key players.

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