Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s most important match of the season so far — The El Clasico at home on Saturday evening. Ancelotti was asked about a lot of things, including Vinicius’ brilliance, to which he said: “[The hug at the end of the Dortmund win] means coaching one of the best in the world, a kid who remains very humble, who has made a lot of progress. I believe without a doubt that he will be the next Ballon d’Or winner.”
Ancelotti on the philosophy of Barcelona
“They have changed his philosophy a bit, they play differently, much more directly. I don’t want to compare the work because Xavi did a great job at Barça in his own way. It’s a different Barcelona, which we respect just as much as Xavi’s.”
Ancelotti on how the team’s feeling ahead of the Clasico
“The team is doing well and is motivated. The Clásicos are competitive and hard-fought matches, and they are also very entertaining. It is a celebration of football and we want to do well in front of our fans.”
Ancelotti on Bellingham’s new role
“Last year it was crucial that he scored because we had lost an important striker like Benzema. We don’t have that problem this year because we have a player who can score 45 goals.
“He is doing very well and making progress. He had problems with his ankle and shoulder, but his condition is very good now. He is contributing a lot, not with goals, obviously, but with his work, which is very important for us. He knows very well how important he is in our team.”
Ancelotti on who is the favourite to win the Clasico
“The truth is that they are doing very well. In a match like the Clasico it is very difficult to choose a favourite. Fortunately, no one is keeping me up at night at the moment. The truth is that they are doing very well. In a match like the Clasico it is very difficult to choose a favourite. Fortunately, no one is keeping me up at night at the moment. I don’t know. It depends on the dynamics of the match. It’s difficult to choose a favourite beforehand. It’s a question of how you are able to handle the pressure, the moments of the match…”
Ancelotti on when Mbappe will be at his 100%
“We are satisfied because he has scored goals. He is important for the team, against Dortmund he was very present in the first two goals. Neither I, the squad nor he are in a hurry. Obviously he will do better because he has all the qualities to do better.”
Ancelotti on whether the Dortmund win could be a turning point this season
“That’s what we’ll try to do. 90 minutes like that is impossible, but I think a lot of things were done well in the second half against Dortmund.”
Ancelotti on Barcelona’s high line
“We prepare the game to do things well with and without the ball. You have to be able to manage the attack if they drop the line. You have to play a complete game to win and we will try to do that.”
Ancelotti on how he handles pressure
“Criticism doesn’t bother me, I understand it very well, it’s there even when you do well. I want to clarify my ideas first and then explain them well to the players. I often like to know what the players think about the ideal strategy for each match.”
Ancelotti on Lamine Yamal
“He has started his career in spectacular fashion. I really like the way he plays, his attitude. He is a very dangerous player, but you have to be focused on what you want to do. We respect Barça a lot, because they are doing very well.”
Ancelotti on ‘talking’ before the game
“Usually in this type of game you don’t have to talk too much. The idea is to remember a very clear, very simple strategy… and nothing more. It’s not a type of game in which you have to say too much. When I was playing I was very worried and Van Basten would tell me: ‘Relax, the strategy is very clear. Give me the ball.’ And it worked many times.”
Ancelotti on whether he’ll change anything like he did vs Celta Vigo
“I have something in mind, but I don’t think it’s right to explain it to you today. (smiles) You have to see it tomorrow and then tell me if I was wrong or not.”
Ancelotti on the longevity of Lewandowski and Modric
“The seriousness, professionalism and passion they have for playing football. There is no secret to this longevity and seniority.”