Ancelotti: “Competition in Real Madrid’s squad helps everyone to be more focused”

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media following an 2-1 pre-season win over Chelsea at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, with particular praise for performances like that of match winner Brahim Díaz. Speaking about the depth of his squad, he said, “obviously, the squad is very competitive. The competition in the squad helps everyone to be more focused. The competitiveness of the squad is very positive for us.”

Ancelotti on the game

“A good game, with good rhythm and clear ideas up front. The offensive aspect was good. We played more vertically with Vinícius and Rodrygo. It was a good match. In line with our pre-season, obviously, but we have the feeling that those who started working on July 15th are doing quite well.”

Ancelotti on those who will return in the coming days

“We are happy that everyone is coming back. We will start preparing for the match together on the 9th. The work has been good so far. We also have to think that the young players have contributed to the team, they have worked, they have competed. It has been a good experience for them and now we have to think about the Super Cup.”

Ancelotti on the absences of Arda Güler and Endrick

“They had difficulty recovering from the match against Barcelona. We have preferred to avoid risks because the most important thing is to get to the Super Cup match all well. They have worked individually this morning, they are fine and will start with the team on the 9th.”

Ancelotti on Éder Militão

“I think he looks very well. He played an hour of quality, cutting out two or three quite dangerous situations. Those who finish here are doing well. Modrić is very well, Ceballos, Lucas Vázquez, Fran [García], Rüdiger, the two goalkeepers as well. Now let’s see how the rest come back.”

Ancelotti on Luka Modrić as a pivot

“Today he was a central pivot. He can also be a pivot on the left like Toni was. He has a lot of quality at the start and helps the team a lot because he manages the tempo very well, he has a lot of experience... He is a fantastic player”.

Ancelotti on Aurélien Tchouameni as a defender

“No, no. The centre-backs are Rüdiger and Militao. As long as they are well, they are going to play there. Tchouameni has different characteristics comparing him to Modrić, obviously, but also Tchouameni is a great pivot.”

Ancelotti on how this game prepares his team

“It was an intense, fast game, with a lot of forward changes, because Chelsea also have fast players. It was a game with a lot of transitions. It was a good match, it was good for us to play it.”

Ancelotti on Thibaut Courtois

“He’s good. He played 45 minutes because the plan was to give some minutes to Lunin too.”