Today, Carlo Ancelotti spoke ahead of the match:
On players returning from South America: They’ve had time to recover, and we gave them rest. We’re in good shape, competing in all tournaments, and every game can be decisive in fighting for the titles we want to win.
On Javier Tebas’ comment about him making substitutions in the 85th minute: I already knew Tebas was obsessed with Real Madrid, but I didn’t know he wanted to be a coach. He should focus on his own matters because he is disrespecting Real Madrid and its coaches.
On resting Vinicius and Valverde: We’ll see if we give them a break. I have the option to rotate some players because most of them are doing well.
On rumors of him coaching Brazil: I don’t remember talking to Ronaldo about this. I have a contract with Real Madrid. I have great affection for Brazil and its players, but my job is to focus on getting the best out of my team.
On La Liga title race: The league isn’t decided yet. Barcelona has an advantage, but we still have El Clásico to play, and we have to give our maximum effort. There are 13 games left—hopefully, 17, including the Copa del Rey final, Champions League semifinals, and final. (Plus up to 7 Club World Cup matches).
On the 72-hour rest period issue and his previous statement about not playing if it isn’t respected: I need to clarify that I meant “without justified reason.” Sometimes, scheduling conflicts make it impossible to change. But against Villarreal, the match could have been rescheduled—the club agreed, the TV networks agreed, but La Liga refused. If a change is possible and they don’t allow it, we won’t play. But if it’s impossible, then of course, we will.
On recent rumors and Alexander-Arnold‘s potential signing: I’ve spent some days in Italy with my great-grandparents, disconnecting. I haven’t heard all the rumors.
On his tax fraud case (where the Spanish Treasury is seeking a four-year prison sentence): Yes, I have to testify. This isn’t the place to discuss it, but next week, the prosecution is appealing. I won the first trial and trust in the law and justice. If someone accuses me of fraud, it bothers me, but I trust the system and will testify with confidence.
On the investigation into Real Madrid players’ celebrations against Atlético Madrid: We believe everything was done correctly, and there are no issues.
On Barcelona and Flick’s recent comments: I understand Barcelona’s complaint about not having all their players available. I agree with Flick—Real Madrid is not Barcelona.
On injury updates: Hopefully, we can recover Ceballos and Mendy soon so they can be part of the rotations I plan for the upcoming games. We expect them back for the match against Arsenal. Courtois has a minor overload, but we hope he’ll be available in the coming days.
REAL MADRID SQUAD:
- Goalkeepers: Lunin, Fran González and Sergio Mestre.
- Defenders: Alaba, Lucas V., Vallejo, Fran García, Rüdiger, Asencio and Diego Aguado.
- Midfielders: Bellingham, Camavinga, Valverde, Modrić, Tchouameni and Arda Güler.
- Forwards: Vini Jr., Mbappé, Rodrygo, Endrick and Brahim.
😁 @KMbappe ⚽
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 28, 2025
📺 INSIDE TRAINING 👉 RM Play
🔟 + ⚽️ = 🪄
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) March 28, 2025
✨ @LukaModric10 pic.twitter.com/aVa5tngnW0