Real Madrid’s coach, Carlo Ancelotti, spoke in the pre-match press conference ahead of the Villarreal vs. Real Madrid game, scheduled for Saturday at 18:30 at Villarreal’s stadium, Estadio de la Cerámica.
The first question was about how Real Madrid was feeling after their intense match against Atlético de Madrid, which went into extra time and penalties. He admitted that the team is tired but emphasized that they still have 24 hours to rest and recover.
Naturally, he was asked about the controversial penalty given to Atlético’s Julián, as they continue to complain about the double touch. However, Ancelotti avoided making strong comments on the matter.
He also discussed Asencio’s first call-up to the Spanish national team, which was celebrated in the dressing room. Additionally, he expressed frustration about having to play on Saturday, stating that he doesn’t understand why (since Barcelona and Atlético play on Sunday), but acknowledged that he cannot change it.
For Ancelotti, Vinicius is an undisputed starter. He admitted that the winger can have better or worse performances, but given how crucial he has been for Real Madrid, his place in the lineup is unquestionable.
For the first time since Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid, the team is still competing for all three major trophies in March: La Liga, the Copa del Rey, and the Champions League. In previous seasons, they were either eliminated from the Copa or the Champions League or too far behind in the league title race.
Ancelotti also criticized the demanding schedule, saying it is too stressful and leaves no time for recovery. However, he acknowledged that this is the reality of modern football. He pointed out that TV rights, money, and other factors are prioritized, while player recovery is often neglected, increasing the risk of injuries.
Regarding Endrick’s substitution against Atlético, he clarified that the decision was not made for him to take a penalty but because Vinicius was exhausted.
He emphasized the importance of motivating the players for matches like the one against Villarreal, which may not have the same emotional intensity as a derby against Atlético.
He stated that an extra effort is needed, as freshness will not be there due to the lack of recovery time.
However, he believes that playing with the right attitude and intelligence—rather than engaging in an end-to-end game—will be key.
According to Ancelotti, there is no single way to win a match; there are many. The team must play smart, which is the main focus in their pre-match preparations.
Full video Ancelotti´s press conference:
Real Madrid squad vs Villarreal match:
Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Fran González.
Defenders: Alaba, Lucas V., Fran García, Rüdiger, Asencio, Diego Aguado and Valdepeñas.
Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni and Arda Güler.
Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim.