Ancelotti talks Asencio, Bellingham, Mbappe, Valverde, Vinicius ahead of Real Betis vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Following their 1-0 win over Real Sociedad in the Copa del Rey semi-final first leg, Real Madrid return to action in La Liga this Saturday as they take on Real Betis away at Estadio Benito Villamarin.

Real Madrid are currently second in the league table, level on points with leaders Barcelona but behind on goal difference. With the Catalans not playing until Sunday, the reigning champions have a chance to reclaim top spot and put pressure on their rivals.

Ahead of tomorrow’s trip to Seville, Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, discussing various issues, including the training absence of Federico Valverde.

Kicking things off, the Italian tactician previewed the match against Betis, saying: “We are in a good momentum. So are Betis. They are a well-drilled opponent and they have quality. Individually and collectively. It’s a match with a lot at stake.”

With Real Madrid set to face Atletico Madrid next in the UEFA Champions League Round of 16, Ancelotti was asked if he was already thinking about that match. In response, he said:

“No. These are three vital points for La Liga. We will put out the best team without thinking about Tuesday’s game.”

On Raul Asencio incident

Ancelotti then gave an insight into Raul Asencio’s situation after being at the receiving end of disgusting chants during the Real Sociedad game.

“The player is fine. He has recovered well. He was affected and that’s normal. A few days have passed and he is ready to play. Something that should not have happened has happened. The protocol was applied very well,” said the manager.

On whether incidents like that make him think about not including Asencio in the lineups away from home, Ancelotti replied:

“No, no. I put him in when I want to put him in the XI. We don’t think about anything else. Just that this doesn’t have to happen. The insults don’t have to happen.”

Asencio was targeted by verbal abuse vs Real Sociedad. (Photo by Carl Recine/Getty Images)

Asencio started as the right-back in the midweek clash and talking about his performance in the position, Ancelotti remarked:

“He has the quality to play there. He’s a different right-back to Lucas and Valverde. If you have an open winger, like Rodrygo, you don’t need a full-back who pushes a lot. And he’s very good defensively.”

On the squad

The Real Madrid boss also touched upon the suspension of Jude Bellingham, calling it an ‘injustice’ but refused to comment on Real Betis winger Antony’s red card being overturned.

“I talk about Bellingham and I think it’s an injustice. I don’t want to talk about Antony,” he commented.

Meanwhile, Ancelotti also confirmed that Fede Valverde will indeed miss the trip to Andalusia, saying:

“Neither rest nor injury. He has a slight niggle and won’t be available tomorrow, but he will be available for the next game.”

Ancelotti also spoke about Dani Ceballos’ unfortunate injury and highlighted Eduardo Camavinga and Luka Modric as possible replacements for the Spaniard.

“Some people forget that Camavinga played in the Champions League final last year. The two pivots were Kroos and Camavinga. He has the quality to play. Also Modric, Tchouameni…,” he said.

“It’s a pity about Ceballos, he was contributing a lot. But, as always, we will replace him.”

Responding to claims that Modric cannot play two games in a row due to his age, Ancelotti said:

“I’m going to be polite. Modric can play. He’s one of the few who hasn’t had any injuries. He’s in great physical condition. I don’t see why he can’t play two games in a row. The data we have is of a player who is well prepared.”

Providing an update on Kylian Mbappe, who missed the cup tie, Ancelotti stated: “The tooth is gone. He’s fine, is he going to get it back? I don’t think so (laughs). And as for the rest, he’s fine.”

On Vinicius

Vinicius captained Real Madrid vs Real Sociedad. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

The 65-year-old manager also spoke about Vinicius Jr. being entrusted with the responsibility of captaincy for the Real Sociedad clash, saying:

“The captains are elected. He has been given more responsibility. And he has been a real captain. Everyone appreciated him.”

Regarding Vinicius’ improved work rate, which was on display against Sociedad when he won the ball back in midfield before launching the attack leading to Endrick’s goal, Ancelotti said:

“Vinicius is helping a lot. It has changed the team a lot, because the forward are working hard. The team is more solid. I don’t think I see, as a coach, Vinicius playing as a midfielder.”

On whether it was hard to convince the Brazilian to do more defensive work, Ancelotti noted:

“We have talked about it many times. Not just with Vinicius, with everyone. And they agreed. The chip has obviously changed in the last few games. Since the game against Atleti, the defensive improvement has been evident.”

Source: AS