Ancelotti talks Lunin, Courtois, Guler, Kroos, Vinicius, Bellingham following Real Madrid 5-0 Alaves | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti felt pleased with the victory over Alaves, seeing it as a practice run for the upcoming UEFA Champions League final on June 1.

He expressed his confidence that the team would be well-prepared for their match against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley.

The manager emphasized the significance of matches like these in keeping up the team’s momentum, positive spirit, motivation, and solid gameplay, all vital for gearing up for the showdown with Borussia Dortmund.

“I am convinced that we will reach full capacity on June 1. These games are important to maintain the rhythm, good dynamics, motivation and good play,” said the manager as quoted by Mundo Deportivo.

“Two weeks left. Now we will rest for a few days and next week we will put a physical load on it. In the second week, we will do the tactical work,” he added.

Who would play in the Champions League final?

Andriy Lunin will play one of the two remaining matches in the league. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)

Now that Thibaut Courtois has returned, the Madrid manager faces a massive conundrum over team selection for the final.

On one hand, Courtois has performed really well in the last few matches and at the same time, Andriy Lunin has done enough to warrant a place as well. Speaking about the situation, the manager explained,

“The situation is clear. We have made the decision. In the two remaining games, one will be played by Andriy and the other by Thibaut.”

About Courtois, the manager said, “He is progressing very well. We are convinced that on day 1 we will arrive in good shape. It is important to rest this week and prepare for the final the next two.

“We are not worried. Until June 1 it is a secondary issue. We are thinking about winning the Champions League,” added the manager.

On Guler, Kroos, Vinicius Jr and Bellingham

Arda Guler, despite not starting against Alaves, was on the scoresheet for the second time in two games, taking his tally to four league goals in just three starts. Talking about the 19-year-old, the manager said,

“We are all very fond of young people. He is the youngest. He has a gift for scoring goals and scores even when he doesn’t deserve it. The ball is in love with Arda Guler.”

Furthermore, there were a lot of questions swirling about what lies ahead for Toni Kroos. Ancelotti appeared uneasy, and he tried to explain the uncertainty surrounding it.

“The club and the player will talk after the Champions League final, now it is a secondary issue.”

Toni Kroos could win the Ballon d’Or this year, says Ancelotti. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

Upon asking if Kroos is a candidate for the Ballon d’Or, he said,

“I don’t think it is for him but taking into account that this is a Euro Cup year and that Germany is a candidate, if he were champion with his team and we won the Champions League, maybe he would be a candidate,” explained the manager.

The manager had nothing but admiration for Vinicius Jr and the progress he has made over the last few years. Speaking about his brace, the manager added,

“He has greatly improved his unmarking and his first-touch finishing. He is in a spectacular moment in his career. He couldn’t do better.”

Lastly, Ancelotti also explained Jude Bellingham’s playing position, adding, “It was my intention. We’ve been asking him for it for a long time and it’s a role he likes.

“He is quite comfortable there. He has been there for a long time and has helped us in that aspect,” he concluded.