Ancelotti talks Rodrygo, Vinicius, Saudi Arabia, transfer plans ahead of Espanyol vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s upcoming La Liga match against RCD Espanyol in La Liga on Saturday night, discussing a range of topics including the team’s preparation, the fixture schedule, and individual player performances.

Real Madrid are currently the leaders in La Liga and have a chance to solidify their grip at the top, but Ancelotti expects a challenging game against Espanyol.

“It will be a complicated and difficult match, as always. It is an important moment in the league for everyone, as the final stretch is approaching,” he said.

“Although we are still quite far from it, the points start to become more important, even more so than at the beginning of the season. We currently have an advantage, and we want to maintain it.”

When asked if the outcome of the Champions League playoffs could determine the season, he responded:

“The season can depend on each match. If you lose in the league or get eliminated in the Cup, it affects the season. Obviously. But we should not focus on that; we must focus on playing the matches we need to play. And there are many. I repeat, too many.

“From today until the break in March (16th), we have 13 matches. That is a lot, and we must treat every one of them as vital. Because from today, each match is crucial. Every game will have a significant impact on our season.”

Ancelotti was then asked whether the preparation would differ depending on whether they face Manchester City or Celtic in the Champions League.

“There is no preparation,” he joked. “When you play every three days, the preparation is for the four, five, or six players who haven’t played. That is where we focus our work. But for the others, there is no preparation, only recovery.

“It is recovery, video analysis, match; recovery, video analysis, match. And that will continue for 40 days for most of the players.

“Our job is to have those who play less ready, prepared, and motivated because they will be indispensable in this part of the season. So, please understand the rotation of some players, as it will keep the whole squad motivated. I need everyone.”

The Real Madrid coach was also asked about the outstanding form of Rodrygo on the left flank, in the recent games when Vinicius Jr. has been absent.

“It is a good question, because there could be debate here. Rodrygo is very comfortable there, but he has also contributed a lot on the right,” he said.

“He is a complete player, and although we know he prefers to play on the left, for the good of the team, someone has to sacrifice themselves. Rodrygo has always done that. He has always put the team’s needs ahead of his own.”

Regarding the Champions League playoffs, Ancelotti confirmed: “It does not change our planning. In a perfect world, we would not be playing them, but we made mistakes and were unable to reach the Top-8.

“They will be entertaining, that I can say. We have the resources to overcome them.”

On the topic of Rodrygo’s future at the club, amid reports of interest from Saudi Arabia, he stated:

“It is difficult for me to talk about the future of players because those are personal decisions. What I see is that those who are here are very happy and want to stay for as long as possible. They want to win titles and contribute. As for what each individual thinks, I do not know.”

On Saudi Arabia’s radar. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Continuing, he added: “I find it hard enough to talk about my own future, imagine talking about a player’s future! What I see, and what I hear, is that many would like to be in Rodrygo’s shoes, just as they would like to be in Vinicius’s shoes.

“There are many players who want to play for this club, for this team, in this shirt. Many, many. Now, I do not like to name names, but there are a lot of players who want to come here. Some, even, that no one would suspect.

“That’s the history and strength of this club. Imagine the coaches who also want to come here.”

Asked if he could confirm whether there would be any winter signings, Ancelotti firmly responded:

“No, no, no! I do not confirm anything! I just hope this transfer window ends. I must thank you, because you have not asked me much about signings. I really appreciate that. From tomorrow, everything will be clearer.”

When questioned about the shifting approach of Saudi Arabia’s football investment, Ancelotti explained:

“They have the 2034 World Cup, and the right to use football to create a good image of the country. I see nothing unusual. Saudi Arabia has a very serious project; because it is a very strong country with many football fans.

“While it is clear that this project is still in its early stages, they are improving it by signing important players. Football, like the world, has globalised.

“There is nothing strange about Saudi Arabia organising a World Cup in 2034… because football is not just for Europe, it is a global sport. They have every right to use sport to project a positive image of their country.”

On whether Vinicius is fixed as the left-winger and whether football has missed a player like Rodrygo on the left, Ancelotti commented,

“No, football enjoys Rodrygo’s quality. For the good of the team, I must make sure the positions are clear. It hasn’t gone badly so far, and it won’t in the future.”

Finally, he was asked about the team’s physical and mental readiness ahead of the match.

“I did not say I wanted to get through January alive, but to get through,” he joked. “And we have done that. We are in better shape than in December, coming off a great run with 12 wins in our last 14 matches.

“But we must keep going. There are so many games that each one could be a trap. And this is what we want to avoid. We must continue this good dynamic. We cannot afford to go backwards.”

Regarding the absence of Vinicius due to suspension, Ancelotti was asked if it had led the player to reflect on his approach to protesting.

“He is aware of what he needs to do on the field because he is a mature person. We are delighted that he is back. He has trained very well, he is fresh, and he can contribute a lot tomorrow,” the Real Madrid boss said.

Source: AS