Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Guler, Kroos, Modric, Valverde ahead of Real Madrid vs Villarreal | OneFootball

Ahead of the much-anticipated match against Villarreal, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, sharing insights about his team, the upcoming game, and key players.

Ancelotti began by praising Villarreal for their strong performances this season, highlighting their impressive work. He expressed excitement about returning to league play and the importance of delivering an entertaining show for the fans.

“They are doing very well, excellent work. We are looking forward to reconnecting and playing good football in front of our fans,” the manager began by saying as quoted by AS.

He also acknowledged the need for Real Madrid to regain their rhythm and play effective football after a disappointing defeat against Lille. The manager noted that while losing is never pleasant, it can serve as a reminder to refocus and improve.

“Nothing happens, nothing changes. We have to reconnect and we have to do it soon and quickly. Nobody likes to lose but a defeat can bring you back to reality.”

Reflecting on the criticism following the recent loss, Ancelotti emphasized the necessity for the team to reconnect and elevate their game quickly. He admitted that the squad has not reached their full potential yet, but they are getting close.

“We are not up to par but we are close to it. It is normal and we have to be patient. There is a lack of intensity in front and back and in the circulation of the ball.

“This defeat is an opportunity if we take advantage of it and react well. There has been self-criticism,” he added.

Why is Guler not playing

Ancelotti says Guler has more prominence this season. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Regarding Arda Guler, Ancelotti mentioned that the young talent is finding it challenging to secure a regular spot in the starting lineup due to the stiff competition within the squad.

“He plays very little because he has competition and it is not easy to find a place for him. He is having more prominence than last year.”

Furthermore, when discussing Kylian Mbappe, Ancelotti confirmed that the French superstar had experienced an issue that appears to have been resolved, allowing him to return to normal training.

He clarified that he does not interfere with decisions made by national team coaches, but he acknowledged that the medical staff had discussed Mbappé’s situation with coach Didier Deschamps.

“He had a problem that seems to have been resolved. He has trained normally. I don’t get involved in what the national coaches do.

“Yes, the medical staff have spoken and have made this decision”

Madrid missing Kroos?

Ancelotti also addressed the absence of Toni Kroos, stating that Real Madrid has sufficient talent in midfield with players like Luka Modric, Federico Valverde, Jude Bellingham, and Eduardo Camavinga.

Carlo Ancelotti says Real Madrid are not missing Kroos. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

“No [we are not missing Kroos]. Modric, Valverde, Bellingham, Camavinga… they all have touch. There is a lot of variety. Nothing is missing.”

In the locker room, discussions have centred around the importance of quicker ball movement towards the forwards and enhancing defensive intensity.

Ancelotti reiterated that if the team faces another loss, they would reflect on the performance, but highlighted their impressive record of 40 matches unbeaten in the league.

“I repeat, we have talked about the need to pass the ball to the forwards more quickly and that we lack defensive intensity.

If we lose again, we will talk about that, but we have a 40-match unbeaten run in the League, if we lose we will be sad but we will look for solutions.”

Finally, he acknowledged the historical significance of Villarreal being the last team to win at Santiago Bernabeu.

Looking ahead, Ancelotti emphasized the need for his players to raise their intensity levels and maintain their commitment to playing their usual style of football against a strong opponent.

“We will try to play as we always do, taking into account the good form of the opposing team, but we want to put in a lot more intensity,” he concluded.