Carlo Ancelotticoach of real Madridspoke at a press conference on the eve of the Clasico: “The match is complicated, but also fun. The team is motivated and strong.”
How is Bellingham?
“Very well, he is making progress, his condition is very good, his work is very important and he knows it.”
What do you think of Barcelona?
“They have a very clear idea, they are courageous, we have to prepare it well. They are having a really great championship, it is difficult to name a favorite in a Clasico. Fortunately nothing keeps me up at night.”
Are you happy with Mbappe?
“We are because he has scored goals. He was very present in the first two goals against Dortmund. We are already satisfied with what he is doing, but he will do better because he has the qualities to do it. We are in no hurry.”
Is Bellingham as functional as last year?
“Last year we lost an important striker like Karim and we replaced him with goals from Jude, Brahim and Joselu. Now we have a striker who can score 40 goals.”
How do you prepare for the matches against Barcelona?
“In these matches there is no need to talk much. In these matches everyone is motivated, concentrated. When I played I was very worried and Van Basten always told me calm down, give me the ball and run and celebrate.”
Have you thought of an anti-Lamine Yamal plan?
“I really like his way of playing, his attitude. You have to take the opponent into account, but you have to be more focused on what you want to do. He’s doing very well.”
Does the pressure weigh?
“The criticisms don’t bother me at all, they’re there, nothing happens. I don’t think much about these matches. I have to clarify my ideas and then explain it as best I can, but I like to know what they think.”
Any advice for Mbappé?
“He has played many times against Barcelona, he knows what he has to do. We have a lot of confidence in his qualities, he will make his contribution as always.”
How do you explain the change on the bench?
“Flick changed the philosophy of the game, but for me Xavi did a fantastic job in his own way, he won games and I don’t want to make comparisons. We respect Barça just as much as when Xavi was there.”
Is Vinicius the leader of Real Madrid?
“There is not just one leader. He can be, there is Valverde, Modric and the young people can be. There is not just one. We are lucky to have many.”