Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after a convincing 4-1 win over Espanyol, who are now 38 league games unbeaten. On Endrick’s quality and whether he is being treated unfairly, he said: “On the one hand, I may be unfair because he trains well; he is someone with a lot of quality. But in front of him are Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappé… he has to have a little patience.”
Ancelotti on the team’s overall performance
“We started well and reacted well after the 0-1. It was perfect. We played better than in other games; with more rhythm and more chances. I’m satisfied.”
Ancelotti on the team’s reaction to a very compact defense
“We played faster up front, played faster and made some better moves. We covered the area well. We didn’t have a striker who could build up the position, but we came in fantastically from the back. Mobility is, as always, an important weapon. The third goal was spectacular, after a fantastic counterattack. We had a lot of shots on goal and should be satisfied. The recovery at the back was good, as was the pressure after losing the ball. We came out with good momentum and are gradually returning to our best version.”
Ancelotti on the substitution of Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal
“Carvajal is injured, but it’s just a blow, nothing serious. Jude had shoulder problems, but they resolved well. He was able to play the whole game without any problems. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, although it doesn’t seem to be anything particularly worrying.”
Ancelotti on Bellingham
“He has always played with a cushion. A month ago he took it off because he was fine, but now he has this problem again. Tonight he handled it very well, he didn’t ask for a change, as he has never had to do before. I think it won’t be a problem, although of course he has to take care of himself.”
Ancelotti on the winning streak and the goalless first halves
“This season we only scored one goal in the first half. That’s remarkable. I spoke to the players before the game to see if I could change that dynamic. I didn’t, but we played with more intensity. The 38 games without defeat… confirm that this team played well, that’s true.”
Ancelotti on whether Tchouameni is better as a centre-back or as a pivot
“He’s a fantastic defensive pivot, someone who adapts very well to the centre-back position. He has the ability to read actions. But for me he’s still a fantastic pivot.”
Ancelotti on his decision for the 4-3-3
“Today it was a 4-3-3, but we adapted to the conditions. Espanyol used to play long balls and we had to be alert to close gaps. Bellingham’s position, for example, changed a little without the ball.”
Ancelotti on yellow cards for complaining
“We have had three very difficult games this season. The referees’ method has changed a bit. They are stricter in this regard and we have to get used to it.”
