Ancelotti: “There is nothing regarding Vinicius Jr and Saudi Arabia, it is just speculation”

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media about an official game for the first time this season before Real Madrid’s clash with Atalanta on Wednesday. Ancelotti was obviously asked about the Vinicius Jr case, to which he said: “There is nothing. It is just speculation at this moment in the market. Nothing more. He is happy to be here.”

Ancelotti on how Real Madrid approach the Super Cup final

“As always, with all the excitement and desire. The first title of the season. It’s a very demanding season and we want to start well. But I see the team in good shape, motivated to play a good game.”

Ancelotti on Gasperini and Atalanta

“I think Atalanta deserve to be here, because they won the Europa League thanks to the incredible work of the team and the coach. Gasperini is a friend. We did the coaching course together, we worked together at Juventus. It will be a difficult, competitive match.”

Ancelotti on Andriy Lunin

“He’s part of the team. He’s one of the best goalkeepers. We have the best in every position. He’s an important part of our squad.”

Ancelotti on having so many good attackers

“I have a very big problem. All summer I have been thinking about who to put in and who not to. It has ruined my holidays. It’s simple. They are all good. This problem doesn’t exist. We have a lot of games. I can’t think that the same eleven will play 70 games. Last year, those who played less contributed a lot. This year could be a key.”

Ancelotti on life after Toni Kroos

“He is a fantastic player, but we decided to respect his decision. We can replace him with other players with other characteristics. Valverde, Tchouameni... We must be a more vertical team. We have to adapt. If we have players other than Kroos, we will play in a different way.”

Ancelotti on whether Mbappe will be the first penalty-taker

“He is a penalty taker. Vinicius has taken them very well too, Bellingham did it at the Euros, Valverde at the Copa America. I will have to choose tomorrow and I will have to do it between those who start tomorrow’s match.”

Ancelotti on whether there is more pressure now with a better team

“We have the best players and we have to beat the best teams. That means working every day and doing things well.”

Ancelotti on whether there are any big egos in the dressing room

“No. I think there is a very healthy, very clean atmosphere. Determined by the presence of the players who are here. Carvajal, Valverde, Lucas Vázquez, It is a group with different qualities that have managed to combine them to serve the team.”

Ancelotti on whether Saudi Arabia is a threat to Real Madrid

“No. We have our role and our project. We have a high-quality squad. We can achieve something very good and we are working towards this. We have lost some players and others have arrived who need to adapt. The collective attitude was key last year.”

Ancelotti on Kylian Mbappe

“He has arrived very well, like everyone else. We are doing very well. He is adapting very well and everyone can play tomorrow.

“He has extraordinary quality.”

Ancelotti on the stadium

“The last game we played here was against Shakhtar. We are delighted to play here and to show the quality we have.”

Ancelotti on whether he is ready for so many press conferences this season

“It’s not a problem for me to sit here and talk about football. It’s part of my job and I respect yours. It’s a moment of my job, a good moment and sometimes a fun one.”