Ancelotti: “This squad never gives in, they fight to the end in spite of adversity" | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti discussed Real Madrid's win at the Martínez Valero in the Copa del Rey Round of 16. The Italian coach was clearly delighted to have booked a place in the next round: “Hazard and Isco have won us the game. We have to underline that because it's really significant. They both deserved more minutes. The past is in the past, I can call on them and a squad that has a bit of everything. They show character, never give in, they fight to the end in spite of adversity. This is the happiest I've been about a win all season".

“I knew it would be a tough game. I told the players beforehand that this could be a long old tie and we were up against opposition who have been playing really well lately. We had to be ready for everything, the mistakes, conceding a goal, or going to extra-time. We hoped the changes would give us a boost in the game and they did just that".

Commitment “Commitment comes from these players' professionalism. Relationships are important too and that's what has an impact on the people who play our football". “As for the sending-off, Marcelo told me that he didn't touch their player, but it was a very tricky decision. I haven't watched it back, but I have to trust my captain. It was a tricky one because Lucas Vázquez was in there as well, but I have to believe what my player told me. The referee ruled out Elche's second goal for a clear foul and that's what you get with referees. We didn't put in an amazing performance. We were very much in the game and controlled things. When it went to extra time, I asked my players to show cool heads and keep calm because we had another 30 minutes ahead of us. We then conceded a goal that we didn't deserve to, but that's what brought out all of the character and personality within this squad”.

Marcelo’s display “Marcelo was more involved in the attacking third. We had more chances and he was involved in two or three really good moves. He posed a threat when he linked up with Vini. Jr. He also did really well defensively. There was only one long ball when he found himself a bit behind the play. I can count on him, no question about that”.

International break “We’ve got a fixture calendar that makes no sense. It's a calendar that forces the players to do inevitable things and we have to change that. I hope that once they wake up, those who organise the calendar manage to produce a fairer calendar for everyone”.