Ancelotti talks Bellingham, Tchouameni, Militao, Vinicius, Kroos, Barcelona ahead of Real Madrid vs Stuttgart

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti recently provided an update on the team’s condition and addressed various concerns surrounding the squad.

He reassured fans that Jude Bellingham, Aurelien Tchouameni, and Eder Militao are in good shape, despite Militao missing training. Ancelotti clarified that the Brazilian defender missed the session as a precaution, needing an extra day to recover fully.

“Bellingham is fine, as are Tchouameni and Militao, who needed one more day of recovery but is fine.

“Militao hasn’t trained today because we’ve decided to give him one more day of rest, to do individual work. Tomorrow he’ll be 100%,” assured the manager.

On the Vinicius controversy

Ancelotti also talked about the recent controversy involving Vinicius Jr. and Real Sociedad. He described Vinicius’s reaction as a response to unacceptable behaviour, including insults.

The manager expressed his understanding of Vinicius’s frustration and defended the player’s gesture, which was intended to address the hostility he has faced.

Ancelotti stressed that such behaviour towards Vinicius, aimed at distracting him due to his impact on the field, is unwarranted and should be addressed more effectively by stadiums and organisations.

“It’s a reaction to a very ugly action. Insults… nobody could stand it, neither could I. The gesture of putting one’s hand to one’s mouth is normal, given everything that is happening.

“What has happened with Vini for years is something that cannot be tolerated. What is happening is not normal. 

Less attention should be paid to the figure of this young man and more attention should be paid to what happens in the stadiums. 

Why are they doing this to Vini? It is a problem at a sporting level and they are trying to dislocate him at a sporting level,” noted the manager.

Meanwhile, on the topic of Toni Kroos’s departure, Ancelotti chose not to dwell on the past. He stated that the issue of Kroos’s exit is resolved and that the team should focus on the future.

“It’s a finished, forgotten topic. Let’s think ahead. Kroos cannot be replaced, but the ones we have will do very well. As they have always done,” pressed the manager.

Roles at Real Madrid and injuries

Regarding the roles of forwards and defensive responsibilities, Ancelotti pointed out that each player has specific duties: forwards are expected to score, midfielders support the defence, defenders need to defend, and goalkeepers should save.

“Ideally, the forward should score goals, the midfielder should help the defence, the defence should defend and the goalkeeper should save. 

“Of course, the work of the forwards is important. If the forward defends more than the defender, there is a problem. We are doing well, we have only conceded one goal from action and another from a dead ball in six games,” he said.

Ancelotti also discussed the impact of Brahim Diaz’s injury and the overall strain of a demanding fixture schedule. He noted that while the calendar is intense, which contributes to injuries, the team has sought solutions to manage these challenges.

“We have looked for solutions. The problem is not in our hands, but rather in the very demanding calendar. Now a new competition begins which may be more attractive, but the fact is that we will play at least two more games. 

“If the organisations do not think that players get injured because they play too many games, that is a problem.” 

Improvement is needed

Looking ahead, Ancelotti reflected on the team’s position in the league, noting that while they could have been ahead, they are content with their current standing and have already secured a title.

“We could have been two points ahead in the league, but we are where we wanted to be. We have already won a title. 

“Many players arrived late and time is needed. Before, the pre-season lasted 5 weeks, now we have done that kind of pre-season already in competition. Now the reality begins.”

When asked about Barcelona’s performance, Ancelotti reiterated that Real Madrid respects all rivals equally, including Atlético Madrid and Villarreal, and does not single out any team.

“They are a rival that is respected just like Atlético de Madrid and Villarreal, who are doing well. We have respect for all the teams that are doing well,” he said.

Thoughts on the current roster and Stuttgart

He was also asked whether the current squad is stronger than last year’s. Despite losing key players like Nacho, Kroos, and Joselu, he believes the team has strengthened with the addition of top talent.

“You’ve seen what happened: we lost Nacho and Kroos, two important players. And Joselu. In exchange, we have one of the best players in the world. Do we have a better squad than last year? I think so.

Finally, regarding the Champions League, Ancelotti asserted that Real Madrid remain one of the top contenders, irrespective of changes in the tournament’s format.

It’s always the same. Including Real Madrid. This Champions League, however, will be a different story. Hopefully, we can go all the way, like last year.

“For me, the Champions League is very special. And the day-to-day, being here, talking to the players, preparing training sessions, putting up with the problems that arise. 

“I consider myself very patient… because every day there is a problem. And many times they are not problems, but rather silly things that we consider problems. Just like in life. I like this day-to-day life,” he added.

Lastly, when asked about Stuttgart and his expectations from the match, he concluded,

“Thank you for asking me about Stuttgart, which should have been the first question. They did a good job last season, of course, I remember them. They are a good team and it will be a tough opponent and a fun game.“

Source: AS