Real Madrid beat Valladolid 3-0 in their first game at home this season, with goals from Fede Valverde, Brahim Diaz and a debut goal for Endrick. Carlo Ancelotti, in the presser, talked about Kylian Mbappe’s form, about which he said: “He is a spectacular striker, very fast, very good without the ball, he attacks from behind. He has had 3-4 situations. He doesn’t need to go left or right, in the end he will score goals.”
Ancelotti on the performance
“It was a good feeling, because when we win a match we have to be happy. Especially considering the difficulties of the first half. The second half was much more active up front, faster with the ball.”
Ancelotti on Mbappe’s form
“I put pressure on him for nothing. They [the subs] are ready, they take advantage of the minutes I give them. It is always complicated, like Lucas Vázquez, who is not in the line-ups, but he doesn’t stop training. It makes me a little sad, but it is my responsibility, I have to choose those who start. Especially at the start of the season, with the heat, the players get tired. It has never happened in 40 years, I have to choose the freshest players on the pitch. The players have to have more responsibilities on the pitch, I have already spoken to them about it.”
Ancelotti on Guler
“This match is part of his progression. He and Endrick need to get minutes little by little so that they can adapt well to the team. Every match is a good opportunity to be at the level of Real Madrid. Arda Güler started as a midfielder, but he can play as a right winger. I was hesitant about putting Brahim in, but we were at home and in the end he played a good match.”
Ancelotti on Endrick
“He looks very good. He showed his qualities in his goal. He is very powerful in his strikes, he is a central striker.”
Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s defensive work
“I think the team was more compact, they won the ball back quicker. They worked better defensively. Not just the forwards, we did better together today.”
Ancelotti on Valverde’s goal
“I think scoring from a direct free kick is much more complicated. Valverde has this ability to strike and we have to take advantage of it. Now it’s more complicated directly, the barrier is up. He has to force it, he has to shoot.”
Ancelotti on Lunin’s future
“Yes, he is going to stay.”
Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
