press conferenceFor Carlo Ancelotti, fear also plays a role before the duel with FC Barcelona. “Otherwise you’ll run into a lion and think it’s a cat,” says the Real Madrid coach, but rather sees it as something positive. At the Clásico press conference, he also clearly indicated that Eden Hazard will not be in the starting line-up. Ancelotti himself finally wants to win at Camp Nou for the first time.
Ancelotti has won two out of five Clásicos to date – Photo: Realmadrid TV
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CARLO ANCELOTTI about …
… the Clásico against FC Barcelona (Sunday, 4:15 pm, in the REAL TOTAL live ticker and at DAZN):“We know it’s a special game, also for Barcelona and Spanish football. We prepare it as a special game, nothing more. We focus on what can happen in the game, prepare a good strategy and give the players all the necessary information on the way so that they can play a good game. “
… possible starting XI changes:“Everything is very clear to me. Talking about who is playing doesn’t seem right to me as I haven’t spoken to the players yet. Our purpose is clear. The crew is ready. We win (Daniel) Carvajal and (Eden) Hazard back, so start with a very good squad. Everyone is focused and motivated, even if they don’t start playing. Because they know that they can be important when they come in. “
… Real’s supposed favorite role:“I don’t see us as favorites. I don’t know who is in better shape at this game. The last Barcelona games were very good. There is no favorite in these games. Many things decide the game. With games like this, it makes no sense for me to talk about favorites in advance. “
…Hazard:“Eden Hazard is in good shape, he has trained with the team. Everything worked well, including at Carvajal. But it’s hard to field a player who has been injured. He is available and can be useful at any time. “
… the chewing gum that he chews during games, which could even increase to Clásico:“I don’t know because I don’t count them. I don’t usually chew gum at all. My feeling is the same: I’m worried, sometimes I’m scared. Fear is a good feeling. If you’re not scared, you run into a lion and think it’s a cat. It’s a positive feeling. But I also come with the necessary confidence, because I have a strong team with players who are very high quality. “
… Vinícius Júnior and Ansu Fati, who could become the new faces of the Clásico:“I don’t know, because both are still young and have to show what they can achieve in their careers. It’s a duel between two teams that will always be among the best in the world. The players are changing, Cristiano (Ronaldo) changes, (Lionel) Messi changes, others come for it. Both teams change because the players change. “
More about the Clásico
Barça coach motivated: “Can overtake Real Madrid.”
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FC Barcelona has its squad for the Clásico (Sunday, 4:15 p.m., in the REAL TOTAL live ticker … read more
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… the condition of the team:“Physically we are improving a lot, especially since we have also won back important players. (Toni) Kroos, (Ferland) Mendy, who were left out for a long time. Marcelo. We’re improving, but we still have a lot to improve. I would like us to sometimes put more pressure in the front. We have to work on that. I like the offensive, we’re doing well there, the front is combined well, there is creativity between the players. “
… the importance of the Clásico for the championship: “It is not more crucial, there are three important points. I’ve never won at Camp Nou, so now is the time. It will not be easy. There are three points that we don’t just have to fight against Barcelona for if you want to win the league. “
… his style of play: “I want my team to be able to implement a lot on the pitch and not just have an idea. Having a clear identity means that the opponent can find solutions fairly easily. Our identity must be diverse. We like to have the ball, to control the game well and also to counter when there is a chance. Why not? Counter attacks are the easiest way to score goals. That is the identity that I would like to see in my team. “
… a possibly morally bigger setback in the event of a defeat:“I don’t think so, because football is a spectacular sport. You have very low confidence and know that there is a next game that you can get it back. It’s a special game because we’re up against great opponents. Everyone would like to be the protagonist in a game like this. “
… Federico Valverde as possible right winger in 4-3-3:“If it’s a 4-3-3, Valverde has to take a place in midfield. That’s pretty clear. It depends on what I ask of a winger. If I ask Valverde to do what Rodrygo does, then I am wrong. If I ask Rodrygo what Valverde does, then I’m wrong. “
… the Barça without Messi:“I don’t like evaluating other teams. I can rate my team, which I really enjoy coaching. It’s a Barça that has the same identity, plays good football, has the same system. Messi is no longer there, but other players with different characteristics are. The young Barça players are fantastic. We’re facing a Barça without Messi, before it was Barça with Messi. I don’t want our feeling to change. It was always difficult against them and it will always be difficult. “
… the 3: 1 at Camp Nou last October under Zinédine Zidane:“Of course that can be a role model. You have to analyze both: what went well and what your current squad is. After that you have to make your decisions. “
Ancelotti on Camp Nou lull: “It’s time I won there”
For Carlo Ancelotti, fear also plays a role before the duel with FC Barcelona. “Otherwise you’ll run into a lion and think it’s a cat,” says the Real Madrid coach, but rather sees it as something positive. At the Clásico press conference, he also clearly indicated that Eden Hazard will not be in the starting line-up. Ancelotti himself finally wants to win at Camp Nou for the first time.