Ancelotti: “We want to sign off for the LaLiga season on a high in front of our fans" | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media in an online press conference in the build-up to Real Madrid’s LaLiga Matchday 38 encounter against Betis at the Santiago Bernabéu (9pm CET) and the coach had the following to say: “There's a good vibe because we want to sign off in the right way in front of our fans in this last game. It's been a really special season and we’ve performed well and our fans have helped us out. You have to perform well from stat to finish of the LaLiga season and our objective is clear: to make sure we’re on good form in front of our fans and then go on and win the final.”

“We want it to be a competitive game with good intensity. We’ve performed well in all of the games we’ve played since winning LaLiga and have fought hard. We want to do the same tomorrow, with the players who didn't play against Cádiz getting a good share of the minutes.”

Bale “He trained today, but still isn't at 100%. We'll have to see tomorrow whether he’s fit enough to be on the bench or if he’s left out. I have to leave two players in the stands and that's not easy. He may feature and he may not. Everyone knows that his contract is up and whether or not he plays tomorrow isn't so important, what’s important is that he has been a part of this club’s history and and will be remembered by all Real Madrid fans. He has written some important pages in this club’s history and it's normal that everyone recognises that.”

Returning players “I plan to play the players who need the game time. Modrić and Marcelo, who has now recovered, are back in the fray. Alaba will train with the group from Monday.”

Players’ send-off “I haven't spoken to them about it because they're just focused on our game on 28 May. Marcelo and Isco are back and involved and we've got a virtually fully-fit squad. I'll play the players who are most in need of game time ahead of the match on the 28th.”

Nerves ahead of the final “We mustn't forget about the joy that comes with the game. That's normal when you come up against strong opposition. We're currently feeling happy and are enjoying yourselves and I'm not worried because we’ve still got time to prepare for the game.” “Many people would like to be in our shoes and involved in the most important game in world football. We’ll enjoy yourselves today and tomorrow and throughout the whole week. There may be some concern just before the game and then there may be happiness or sadness.”

Starting XI for Paris “I have no doubt about my team. The one doubt that I do have is whether the players who start the game are more important than those who end the game.”

More rest than Liverpool “Liverpool have had a harder time of things than us during this period because they're preparing for important games, but we've got the same time to prepare for the game. We've had the opportunity to think more about the game, but that won't affect things.”

Guard of honour “Betis and Real Madrid are the two teams to have won the domestic competitions in Spain. It’ll be a good game and a high-quality and entertaining match. We're all going to enjoy it: Betis, Madrid and the supporters. I would like us to give them a guard of honour because they won the Copa Del Rey, which is a very important competition in Spain.”

Mbappé “I spend my time at Valdebebas, in my car, at home and, sometimes, in good restaurants in Madrid, but I’m never asked about that. The club’s supporters are currently excited about the Champions League final and we're fully focused on winning the club’s 14th European Cup crown.”

Dressing-room reaction to Mbappé story “It doesn't change our thinking and objectives, we’re enjoying yourselves and there's a really good vibe. We're going to prepare for this game as thoroughly as possible and we couldn't be any more excited. Everything that goes on around us and the things that are spoken about don't affect us at all. We’re really happy and relaxed and calm as we wait for the game to come around.”