Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Valverde, Camavinga, Rodrygo, VAR audios ahead of Real Madrid vs Atletico Madrid | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti faced the media ahead of Real Madrid’s highly anticipated derby against Atletico Madrid.

The match holds great significance for both sides as they aim to assert dominance in La Liga this season. With fierce competition expected, Ancelotti shared his thoughts on various issues surrounding the team and Spanish football.

The Real Madrid manager emphasised the importance of the upcoming fixture, calling it a special encounter against a formidable opponent.

According to Ancelotti, matches against Atletico are always closely contested and hard-fought, requiring full commitment from his squad.

“It’s a very important match for both teams. The derby is always special, against a very tough opponent. It will be close, hard fought. Nothing new. They have enough quality to fight for the league,” he began saying.

Javier Tebas’ remarks

When asked about recent controversial remarks made by the La Liga president Javier Tebas, Ancelotti opted to keep his focus on football matters.

He acknowledged the ongoing discussions about the league’s operational system but expressed confidence that Real Madrid had acted appropriately in seeking clarity on certain issues.

“I wouldn’t like to touch on this subject before such an important match. Tebas can rest easy, nobody here has lost their head. All that has been asked for is an explanation.

“Changing a system that, from what I hear, nobody is happy with. They say that the system favours Madrid, but when Madrid wants to change it, they reject it,” he noted.

Players’ availability

Eduardo Camavinga will be available for the derby. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Addressing the line-up for the derby, Ancelotti confirmed that Lucas Vazquez and Eduardo Camavinga are available for selection, having recovered from their fitness concerns. He stressed that quality and commitment would be the keys to success in the match.

“There were doubts about the line-up, Lucas and Camavinga, but they have been resolved today. They are available.

“I will put a starting eleven that can give us quality and commitment, those are the keys to success. Combine them. Maybe this year we had more quality than commitment. We are working to match that.”

VAR audios

On the subject of the audio recordings involving Kylian Mbappe’s incident against Espanyol, Ancelotti expressed disappointment that the club had not received the requested material.

“We haven’t received them and why they don’t want to give it to us… I don’t know, you have to ask them,” he added.

He clarified that Real Madrid’s request was simply about understanding the refereeing process, not about secrecy or controversy.

“We have only asked for audio recordings, sometimes they have shown it and other times they have not.

“I don’t think we have asked for something to be secret. We just want to know how they have handled this play, there is nothing perverse about it.”

Mbappe was fouled by Carlos Romero. (Photo by David Ramos/Getty Images)

Defensive issues

The manager also commented on tactical balance, acknowledging that defensive issues have been a collective problem for the team.

“Sometimes there has been a lack of balance, that’s true. And some people might think that by removing one player from the top, the problem would be solved.

“But that’s not the case. The defensive problem is everyone’s problem, including the forwards. It’s a collective problem. And many people forget that we’ve lost key players, like Carvajal or Militao.”

Despite injuries to key defenders like Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Ancelotti remains optimistic, highlighting the adaptability of players such as Aurelien Tchouameni and David Alaba.

“Despite that, we’re fighting in all competitions. Rudiger and Alaba will be back soon, but let no one forget that we’ve lost very important defenders in this part of the season.

“Hopefully we can get back to normal soon, because I would like Tchouameni to be a pivot again, Alaba a centre-back, Carvajal a winger.”

On Mbappe and Valverde

Speaking about individual performances, Ancelotti praised Mbappe for his seamless adaptation to the team, attributing his success to humility and dedication.

“I have said it many times: he has arrived with humility, very well, without any demands. He has needed time, but he has adapted very well to the team, as the team has to him. The data is there, we cannot ask for more from him. We are very happy.”

Star. (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

Valverde’s versatility was also highlighted, with the manager noting his vital role in both midfield and defensive positions during the team’s injury crisis.

“We are worried about players getting injured, of course, but Fede, besides always wanting to play, is now indispensable due to the absences we have.

“Because he can be a pivot or a right back, giving Lucas a rest, for example, who had a small problem.”

Atletico Madrid’s tweets

As for the social media controversy stirred by Atletico Madrid’s tweets, Ancelotti dismissed it as irrelevant, emphasising that social media discussions often lack meaningful context.

“Tomorrow we will watch videos and I will tell you the tactics. And nothing else. Tonight, TV, but to relax a bit. That’s what we did. I haven’t seen the tweets, it’s something invisible.

“I don’t know for a fact [that Real Madrid put pressure on the referees]. Real Madrid wants to change a system that it doesn’t like,” he said.

On Ceballos and Rodrygo

Ancelotti wrapped up the session by expressing satisfaction with the performances of players like Dani Ceballos and Rodrygo, who have become key figures in the squad.

“Ceballos has taken on a greater role, because he is always present, in attack and defence. He has improved his physical condition and that is important. Managing playing time is something he does very well.

The manager’s focus remains on keeping the team united and competitive as they face their cross-city rivals.

“Rodrygo is playing a very important role in the team. And he will. He has enormous quality, like many others. I don’t think that to find balance he needs to take out forwards, I don’t have that opinion.”

This highly anticipated derby promises to be a crucial test for Real Madrid as they look to maintain their strong form amidst injuries and external distractions.

Source: AS