Carlo Ancelotti: "It costs a lot to beat Atlético de Madrid"

MADRID, 25 Ene. (EUROPA PRESS) -

The Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is clear that eliminating Atlético de Madrid in the Copa del Rey this Thursday and depriving the mattress team of winning a title this season does not cause him any special motivation, and warned that "it costs a lot to win " to Diego Pablo Simeone's men, although he hopes that playing again at the Santiago Bernabéu two and a half months later can "help" them.

"We did not think about this (in leaving Atlético without its only option to win a title). We are facing the opportunity to reach the semifinals of an important competition, taking into account the strength of the rival because it is very difficult to beat Atlético. I hope a entertaining game because they are improving and played very well in the last game", Ancelotti said at a press conference on Wednesday.

The Italian does not forget that the duel "is a derby and like all derbies you have to prepare it in a special way against a strong team." "We are excited and excited, we return home after two months and we are excited, especially with this type of match, such as a derby," he stressed.

In this sense, he believes that, "in theory", by playing at the Bernabéu they could be more "favourites", although it will be necessary to see how "the game goes". "Away from home we have done very well this season, but we are eager and excited to return home and this is going to help us. Going back to the Bernabéu is something special," he declared.

On the other hand, the Reggiolo man made it clear that Toni Kroos and Luka Modric "are professionals" and that "they understand very well what this entity is and the quality of this squad", so he doesn't need to "explain to them why they don't play ", as it could happen in San Mamés.

"We already talked about it at the beginning of the season. This is a moment of transition for this squad and we need the understanding of the veterans and the patience of the youngsters, this is the key to the success of the team and to have a good atmosphere and all the motivated players", he added, remarking that both "can play together". "I have no doubt, they contribute a lot and they will also contribute this season. They have played a lot of games being decisive and they will continue like this", he settled.

In this sense, Ancelotti would not see it as "unfair" that his return caused the substitution of Marco Asensio or Dani Ceballos because "it could be a part of the rotation" that they need to do "in this type of game and this type of demand this season". . "I have to try to get the best team possible," he warned.

The Madrid coach confirmed the withdrawal of Aurelien Tchouameni, who "lacks training sessions" and who is waiting for "Sunday" against Real Sociedad, but celebrated that they are "recovering players" and that "the general condition of the team is improving".

On an individual level, he spoke of other names such as Fede Valverde, Camavinga or Nacho. Of the Uruguayan, he indicated that "he has not yet reached his best level" and that it is "quite normal" that he is not at the level of the "first part of the season. "We have to be patient, it is not that we ask him to score goals, We ask him to contribute in defense and attack and he is doing it. When he reaches his best level he will score again," he pointed out.

Regarding the Frenchman, he considered that his impetus "is a quality" and not a defect. "He tries to cut up a lot of passes and sometimes he's a little late, but he must have the momentum. He's not a player who kicks if there's no ball, he's quite aggressive because he has a lot of energy and he's a modern midfielder. He helps us a lot in defense and against Athletic he was outstanding because tactically he played very well. For me, it wasn't a surprise, but defensively he did fantastically", he stressed, admitting that it could be "an idea for the future" to join him in the double pivot with Chouameni.

"Nacho can play in all positions in defense and I think he always complies. His characteristics are more those of a centre-back, but he is tactically so intelligent that he can perform in all parts of defense. He is always reliable", said the youth squad player .

On the other hand, Ancelotti insisted that the club must "protect the physical and mental aspect" of the Brazilian Vinicius Jr. "He has a spectacular physique and a very important mental aspect. We have to support him because we need him and football also needs him, but I see him very motivated and focused, and he doesn't complain", settled.