Carlo Ancelotti showed great satisfaction with his team’s performance against Elche in Real Madrid’s 3-0 victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“I’m satisfied because we didn’t give anything away in defence,” he told reporters in the post-match press conference. “Of course we could have played better, but at this point of the season we have to be practical, and we were today,” he added.
When asked about Asier Illarramendi’s performance replacing suspended Luka Modric, the Italian confessed to be “very happy with him.” “Modric gives us more options in tight games because of his one-on-one ability, but Illarramendi played very well in this match,” he said.
Ancelotti also praised Gareth Bale’s performance, as the Welshman scored one of the best goals of the season: “He was lacking confidence before that great goal. After that it was like a different game for him. It helped gave him more confidence. He played OK before the goal and fantastic after it.”
Isco came into play in the second half and put in a brilliant performance playing as a winger. When asked about his role in future games Ancelotti pointed out “he can play as a false nine and in midfield; he trained in that position this week and can play there, in an area that requires more sacrifice, and do a good job.”
Los Blancos’ manager also took advantage of the ocassion to show his discontent with Cristiano Ronaldo’s suspension. “The ban wasn’t normal, not even waiting until the afternoon to decide if he could play against Elche or not. We’ve won three games without him and there have been no practical consequences, but what happened was incredible. I can’t comprehend or forget it,” he stated.
