After another defeat against Liverpool, Real Madrid is now under pressure to secure a win against Atalanta on Tuesday night in the Champions League.
In light of this critical situation, Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media, discussing various topics in his press conference. Here are the key takeaways.
On Mbappé’s Current Form:
“He is in good shape and continues to improve. My goal is to give him the confidence he needs as a new player. He has performed well in the last two matches. He is in a positive rhythm and could play a decisive role for us.”
On the Team’s Overall Level:
“The overall level is stable, it hasn’t dropped. However, we do have concerns, because the objective is always to put the opposing team under pressure. This is something we consider before every match.”
On His Relationship with Real Madrid:
“The continuity of a coach depends on the support from the club, it’s as simple as that. There is no secret. A good relationship between the coach and the club is key to success. If you get results, it’s because that relationship is working perfectly.”
His Optimism Ahead of the Atalanta Game:
“I have full confidence in my team and my players. I’m sure they will continue to progress. We’ve had a fantastic year, and we hope to end it in the best possible way. That said, this match could very well be the toughest one of this Champions League edition.”
On Endrick and Arda Güler’s Future:
“Endrick and Arda Güler will NOT leave Real Madrid. They will stay in January. I have no bias against young players; I’ve used many throughout my career.”
On His Main Goal:
“My goal is simple: to win, nothing more. It will be a difficult match, and our priority is to qualify for the knockout stages. Coming back to Italy feels special for me, as I am 100% Italian.”
On Atalanta’s Strengths:
“They are doing a remarkable job. They remain competitive in Serie A and maintain a high level of excellence. Every year, new players join the team and continue to shine, which speaks to the club’s strength and organization.”
On Young Players’ Development:
“Endrick and Güler will stay with us. I can’t guarantee they’ll play more, but they may need some game time. My goal is always to select the best team for each match. Patience is key with young players. They bring energy but still need time to learn and mature.”
On Player Rest and Rotation:
“Rotation is possible when the squad is fully fit, but injuries complicate this management. Valverde is a unique case: he has played in various positions – as a full-back, defensive midfielder, central midfielder, and winger. He is a key player for this team.”
