Ancelotti: "This squad is untouchable"

MADRID, 21 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has ensured that his squad is "untouchable", despite the fact that there are players who are relegated to a role of revulsion or substitution, and has called to "avoid" this Sunday against Athletic Club (9:00 p.m.) the "mistakes" that almost cost them continuity in the Copa del Rey against Villarreal.

"This squad is untouchable, not only the starters, but also those who enter the field and give everything, like Ceballos and Asensio. Kroos and Modric are untouchable, they are players who are making the history of this club, but that doesn't mean that have to play all the games", he declared at a press conference.

This is how he also described the French midfielder Eduardo Camavinga, one of his most recurring changes. "Eduardo is untouchable, like Modric and like Kroos," he said, before talking about players like Nacho, Dani Ceballos or Marco Asensio, who are out of contract this year. "They have shown that they can be decisive in the game. I see players who are very motivated and they have shown it. Their contract runs out in June and they have to show that they have enthusiasm and motivation. That their contract runs out in June does not change anything ", he pointed out.

On the other hand, he affirmed that they are "close to recovering" Aurélien Tchouaméni, David Alaba and Dani Carvajal. "I think everyone can come back next week," he said, before talking about the controversy over the Frenchman's attendance at an NBA game while the Copa del Rey duel against Villarreal was being played. "He has made his apology public, he has been wrong. He is a young boy who has been wrong once, the issue is over. Hopefully he can recover next week," he stressed.

Regarding the cup match, in which they managed to overcome a 2-0 deficit at half-time, he acknowledged that they have "taken into account everything that has happened." "Not only the good reaction, but the serious errors that we have had in the first half. We have to avoid mistakes, which have been quite clear. Tomorrow will be a difficult game and we need a game like the one in the second half and not give away the way we gave away in the first part", warned.

"There were some positioning errors, sometimes the lines don't move together, sometimes you go under pressure when you don't have to go out... I always say that our area is a friend, not an enemy. We have to control our home well first. Control Well, this situation is fundamental for the defense. Before pressing, you have to control your back well", he stressed.

In another vein, he was full of praise for the 'leones' coach, Ernesto Valverde. "Ernesto Valverde is a good friend of mine, we have a very good relationship and he is a great coach. His teams play with a clear idea of ​​the game, very organized. I respect him a lot," he said.

Lastly, he valued the draw for the Cup quarterfinals, which provided Atlético de Madrid as a rival. "I don't think we've had a good draw in the Copa del Rey. It's going to be an entertaining game because it's a derby. All the games against Atlético are beautiful," he explained, without wanting to talk about the 15-point sanction against Juventus for the 'Case Capital Gains'. "I have an opinion, but I don't want to comment on a matter that is in court," he concluded.