Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Bellingham, Tchouameni, Mallorca, and Barcelona after Real Madrid 3-0 Mallorca | OneFootball

Real Madrid got the better of Mallorca in the second semifinal of the Spanish Super Cup on Thursday night, setting up a finale against Barcelona at the weekend.

The Merengues started the game well and were the ones in control. However, their opponents turned up the heat later in the game and ensured it was a hard-fought affair.

Jude Bellingham’s opener close to the hour mark was all that seperated the two teams until the 90th minute, but two stoppage time goals improved Real Madrid’s scoreline.

Ancelotti’s press conference

Speaking to the media after the game, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the game and looked ahead to the finale against Barcelona later this week.

He began by explaining how his men were made to work hard against Mallorca despite the positive start, saying,

“We have suffered even though we started very well. We were able to open the score in the first half. It was a demanding game because Mallorca defended very well. They have created problems for us on a couple of occasions.”

Elaborating on his broad takeaways from the performance his team put in, the Italian gaffer said,“We have not played at our best level, but we have seen a good version of the team and we have deserved to win. In defense, we have done well.”

Real Madrid are set to face Barcelona this weekend (Photo by Yasser Bakhsh/Getty Images)

“After Tchouameni’s injury, Raúl Asencio played well. Against Barcelona, we will try to defend and attack well because that’s how football is,” he added.

Speaking in particular on the Clasico final against Barcelona and what to expect, Ancelotti insisted that it would be hard-fought and unpredictable.

“In recent times the Clasico has always been unpredictable. There have been games that we have won easily and others in which they have beaten us 0-4.”

“It’s hard to think about how the final will be, but it will be entertaining because there is a lot of quality on the field. I don’t know how it can be. We want to do better than Barcelona,” he added.

Ancelotti then admitted that his team was very close to the best version and how they strived to keep the momentum going.

“It’s pretty close to the best level. We have continuity in the results and we must continue like this. More than looking for the best level, we must look for the continuity of the game and results. At the moment it’s going well.”

The Real Madrid manager then spoke on specific players who excelled on the night or left the fans asking more of them. He began by praising Kylian Mbappe who has seen a resurgence in recent weeks.

“He is now very well and is showing a good version. In December he did very well, scoring goals, and little by little he is reaching his best level. With the quality he has, I don’t know where he can go.”

The manager also had special words for Jude Bellingham who has stepped up in recent weeks and rediscovered his form in front of goal.

“He means a lot. The team’s improvement has come because they have combined more Bellingham, Vini Jr., Rodrygo, and Mbappé. Also because we have had a good balance with many strikers on the field.”

Ancelotti is gearing up for the Spanish Super Cup final (Photo by Aitor Alcalde/Getty Images)

The manager also provided an update on the injury situation in the team and the player who finished the game with discomfort.

“Tchouameni was fine when I saw him on the bench. The doctor preferred to remove it because it was a blow to the head. Bellingham and Valverde have ended up with overloads because it was so hot that we did not expect.”

“That has affected the pace of the game. The final fight has been unnecessary for both teams and meaningless because the game was already over,” he added.

Towards the end of his press conference, Ancelotti thanked the fans for turning out in large numbers and acknowledged the support.

“There has been a great atmosphere and we have played in a great stadium with a lot of Real Madrid fans. We have had a lot of affection, they have supported us and they have seen a good version of the team.”

Finally, he was asked to give his two cents on Barcelona being able to register Dani Olmo and Pau Victor after a long struggle but he refused to share any opinion.

“I don’t want to talk about this topic. Commenting on this issue is complicated and I don’t want to talk about it.”

“Everyone has their own opinion. I have a public official profile and I don’t want to have an opinion. What I think I keep to myself.”

Source: Real Madrid website