Carlo Ancelotti, the head coach of Real Madrid, expressed confidence in his team’s potential to bounce back and make a significant impact in their upcoming fixtures, including the crucial Champions League clash with Arsenal. Speaking at a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's La Liga match against Deportivo Alavés on Sunday, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of winning this game, stating that it would serve as an essential step for the team to build momentum before their European challenge on Wednesday.
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Ancelotti acknowledged the temptation to focus on the midweek fixture against Arsenal, but was clear in his belief that their efforts must begin with a solid performance against Alavés. "Everyone is thinking about the game on Wednesday, but it all goes through tomorrow’s performance. We are still in the league race, and it's crucial that we play well and secure the win," he remarked. This statement reflects Ancelotti's leadership style, where he emphasizes the importance of taking one game at a time, even when the upcoming fixtures are more high-profile and carry significant weight for the team's future in Europe.
When asked about the team’s mindset and whether they are focusing more on a potential "comeback" in La Liga or the Champions League, Ancelotti was adamant that the squad is entirely focused on the present. "No, the talk is about putting in a good performance tomorrow because it's essential to regain a positive feeling," he responded. This comment indicates that, despite the pressure of upcoming big games, Ancelotti has ensured that his players are not distracted by distant outcomes, but are instead concentrated on the task at hand.
The conversation then turned to the topic of the team’s recent struggles, including doubts about their ability to make a comeback in both La Liga and the Champions League. Ancelotti's response was one of defiance and resolve. "I don't know, but we will try. Real Madrid is the only team that has done it several times, and we will try again," he said confidently. This statement is a testament to the belief and mentality that Ancelotti has instilled in his squad, referencing the club’s illustrious history of comebacks and resilience in crucial moments. Real Madrid has long been known for their never-say-die attitude, especially in high-pressure situations, and Ancelotti reiterated this point by asserting that they would continue to fight until the very end.
Ancelotti also addressed the crucial role that the team’s fans and the atmosphere at their home stadium can play in their efforts to turn things around. "We know how much our fans and the stadium can help us. We've done it many times, and we will try until the last minute, until the last attack. It starts tomorrow," he said, highlighting the powerful influence that the Real Madrid faithful have in creating an intimidating environment for opponents. This comment reinforces the idea that the team is not just relying on its players but also on the support of the fans to push them forward in difficult moments.
When questioned about his own future with the club and whether he still believes that the management has faith in him, Ancelotti downplayed the need for immediate answers. "That’s a question I shouldn’t answer. The contract is clear, and I still have another year left," he replied. The Italian coach, who has enjoyed significant success at the helm of Real Madrid, including winning the Champions League twice, was calm and collected when discussing his future, emphasizing that such matters would be addressed at the end of the season, as is customary.
Ancelotti further acknowledged the challenges that come with managing a high-profile club like Real Madrid. "Every loss brings tough moments. You have to think about how to bounce back. To focus. But fortunately, this is football... after every loss, there is an opportunity," he explained. The coach's pragmatic approach to setbacks shows his maturity and his understanding of the cyclical nature of football, where every loss is followed by a chance to learn, improve, and move forward. He reassured the press that the team has been training well and is fully focused on the task ahead.
Regarding specific player concerns, Ancelotti addressed the recent struggles of Vinícius Júnior, a player who has been under scrutiny due to a perceived dip in form. Ancelotti was cautious in his analysis, stating, "It's hard to pinpoint the reason for Vinícius's decline in recent weeks. The decline is noticeable overall, not just at an individual level. We've conceded many goals in recent matches, and we need to stop that. Especially when the attack is not as effective as usual." His comments reflect the broader team struggles, acknowledging that the collective performance has been below the expected standard in recent weeks.
On the topic of team dynamics, Ancelotti also addressed concerns about the team's physicality and work rate. "The statistics are clear in terms of the kilometers covered compared to our opponents. We ran less, but performance-wise, it didn’t affect us. We could have put in more effort, but it's not just about that," he explained. Ancelotti highlighted that running more than the opponent depends on the individual characteristics of the players, adding that Real Madrid’s players have historically run less in total distance, but that did not prevent the team from winning multiple Champions League titles. This perspective suggests that while physical effort is important, the team’s overall effectiveness is determined by a range of factors, including strategy, skill, and execution.
As the press conference drew to a close, Ancelotti addressed the scheduling concerns related to Real Madrid’s match against Alavés, noting that, unlike other top teams, they would be playing on Sunday. "No, but this is the reality. This season, it has been like this," he concluded, accepting the situation with a sense of pragmatism.
In summary, Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference revealed a coach who remains focused, composed, and determined to guide his team through a challenging period. He stressed the importance of immediate goals, backed his players to perform despite recent setbacks, and maintained confidence in his squad’s ability to achieve success both in the league and on the European stage. Through his words and actions, Ancelotti’s leadership continues to inspire belief in Real Madrid’s ability to overcome adversity and return to winning ways.
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