Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has given a juicy interview to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera in which he admits his team “will improve” because they “can’t play worse”. The coach was very self-critical regarding Real’s performance:
I’ve tried to change things, such as having more posesion, but it takes time to adapt to changes. We haven’t played well and the problem is worse because Barcelona and Atletico Madrid have won all their matches. We have to play better, the fans are demanding it and they are right. I think we’ll do better in the next games, if only because it’s imposible to play worse than we did against Elche and Levante”.
Regarding the debate surrounding Gareth Bale and his injuries, Ancelotti showed optimism:
His only problem is that he hasn’t had a pre-season. He’s taken advantage of the international games break and he’s fit again, so he will get back to playing. Are 100 million euros too much money? It can seem they are, but the market is like that. Plus, Real Madrid have deposited a lot of money in sales.”
When asked about the goalkeepers situation at Real, Ancelotti tried to explain his decision of benching Iker Casillas in the league:
Rotating goalkeepers isn’t normal, but the situation at Madrid is special. We have two great goalies, one with less experience and another one who is an icon of Real and Spanish football. Diego started his preparation for the season before Iker and that is why I chose him. After that I decided to give Casillas the chance of playing the Champions League because he’s still very reliable.”
Los Merengues’ boss also spoke about the controversy surrounding the hiring of his son and his future son-in-law as part of the team’s staff. “All managers want to have competent and trustworthy people surrounding them. My son is both, and regarding the nutritionist, I’m not to blame for him being engaged to my daughter,” he said.
