Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said his team has stepped up through the gears this month having found their natural style and game.
The manager was speaking after Los Blancos completed a perfect January, winning eight games out of eight, and keeping clean sheets in all of the games along the way. The 1-0 win over Espanyol at the Santiago Bernabeu on Tuesday night ensured progress into the semi-final of the Copa del Rey.
In keeping Espanyol at bay, Real also set a new club record for consecutive clean sheets, beating the seven previously achieved in the 1994/95 season. Goalkeeper Iker Casillas also set a new record – his 682 minutes without letting a goal past him surpassing Paco Boyo’s previous record.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Ancelotti said: “Our play is more natural now. It is because of the work done in the months before. The players are more comfortable now because of that, and because of their professionalism. All of the players train well every day and are very focused. That is the key to our good form.”
He went on to add: “I have already said that I think at this system gives us confidence. We have defensive balance because the whole team works hard to recover the ball quickly. The centre-backs have also improved.”
Looking forward to the weekend’s match against Athletic Bilbao, the Italian revealed he is expected a tough match. “It is very important and will be a difficult match. They are playing well at the moment and everyone knows that playing at San Mamés is not easy,” he stated.
