Ancelotti talks Lunin, Militao, Kroos, Modric, Xavi ahead of Villarreal vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

The Real Madrid team has returned to training after three days of rest as the team takes on Villarreal tomorrow.

Speaking to the press ahead of the match, Carlo Ancelotti discussed multiple topics, including Xavi Hernandez’s developing situation at Barcelona. He also talked about Luka Modric and his new role.

Carlo Ancelotti on Villarreal, Xavi

First and foremost, Ancelotti addressed the game at hand, stating, “We approach it as a preparation for the final, we travel with the entire squad and we take it as an important match to have a competitive rhythm and a good attitude and dynamic. Villarreal play well. The objective is to maintain the good dynamic “.

The Real Madrid manager was then asked about Xavi Hernandez’s situation at Barcelona, with the club’s hierarchy furious with the Spaniard after his public comments about the club’s economic situation.

“I don’t want to comment on the subject of Xavi, I have a lot of respect for him, as a person and as a coach. For the work he is doing, it is a very good job. I wish him the best for the future,” he said.

Talking about Real Madrid’s transition process, Ancelotti added, “Until now it has been a calm transition that continues. It may continue, or not.”

Ancelotti on Modric, Kroos

The Italian also had to address the elephant in the room – Luka Modric and his new role at the club. However, the Real Madrid coach denied have any disagreement with Modric regarding the same.

“I’ve never had a problem with Modric. He’s one of the best players in the world. He’s even more amazing as a person. We’ve never had a problem, and we never will. We respect each other a lot,” he said.

No qualms with Modric: Ancelotti (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Talking about another midfield veteran Toni Kroos, the Italian added, “Toni as a person is a German. I feel very German in that sense, I don’t speak much, I prefer to listen. When he has to say something, he says it clearly. He has few doubts, he is quite clear, he is sincere, very honest, a profile that I like.”

When about the future of Kroos and Modric, Ancelotti simply refused, stating, “I am always optimistic, we are thinking about the final, the rest is secondary. And nothing more, the future will be talked about after the final.”

Ancelotti on UCL final

The Real Madrid coach was asked about the Champions League final as well, with Los Blancos slated to take on Borussia Dortmund at Wembley on June 1.

“We have no doubts. I have no doubt what I should do until June 1, which is to prepare everyone as best as possible. And then, make the most correct decision. We have rested and now we have two weeks to put point to the team for the final,” Ancelotti said.

Talking about the tension heading into this final, the coach added, “The best way to prepare for the final is to play at 100%. We have done very well against Granada and against Alavés.

“It will also be like this in Villareal. I have said very little in these last two games, we have scored nine goals and conceded zero. I’m thinking about talking even less, things are going well.“

On team news

Finally, Carlo Ancelotti offered an update on the fitness of some of his key players, notably confirming that Eder Militao could be an option for the UCL final.

“It could be that he starts in the final, he is close to 100%. He was missing minutes and he is taking them. He will play tomorrow and I see him very close to his best level. It is an option that we have,” he said.

Ancelotti, though, remained coy when asked whether Thibaut Courtois would play in the final as well.

“For me, there is no debate. Lunin has had a fantastic season and Courtois is returning to what he was before, the best in the world,” he said. “Lunin is going to play tomorrow.”