Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Vinicius, Valverde, Endrick, Alaba, Asencio ahead of Real Madrid vs Getafe | OneFootball

Following their midweek UEFA Champions League loss to Liverpool, Real Madrid will be hoping to bounce back to winning ways when they take on Getafe in La Liga on Sunday.

The Merengues have done a good job to close down the gap to league leaders Barcelona and will be eager to maintain pressure on their arch-rivals with another victory tomorrow at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Heading into the game, the spotlight is on manager Carlo Ancelotti and marquee summer signing Kylian Mbappe, both of whom are under intense pressure.

On Mbappe

Naturally, the 2018 FIFA World Cup winner was heavily discussed during the pre-match press conference today.

Discussing why things are not working out well for the French superstar, the Real Madrid boss stated that the problem was not with Mbappe but the entire team.

“Mbappe’s problem is the problem we all have. The idea is to try to bring out our best version, from him, from myself, from other players? The problem is a team that for the moment has been able to have continuity in the season and bring out its best version.

“It’s not a problem of one player, it’s a problem of each one of us. We don’t consider it an individual problem of a player who among other things is new here, is adapting, has eight goals, has participated in the attacking play with assists? We can all do better.”

When asked how he can help Mbappe rediscover his best form, the Italian tactician replied:

“He hasn’t dropped off, he’s aware that he has to do better. Many of my players have missed penalties and we have to keep supporting and helping them. We have to think that it’s a collective problem and not an individual one.

“You can criticise me, but the dynamic of the team is good and we have to understand that we are missing a lot of players, tomorrow Rodrygo will be back. The idea of having patience is the right idea.”

Continuing, he added: “I’m like Mbappe. I’m trying everything to bring out my best. The results say that I haven’t been able to bring out my best.

“I’m not happy, but I’m worried just enough. I’m convinced that we’re going to fix it. For the rest, on a personal level, I’m very happy.”

Under pressure. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Mbappe has been deployed on the left flank in the past couple of games. But the situation could get complicated once Vinicius Jr. returns from injury. Explaining his plan to address the matter, Ancelotti said:

“I don’t know. I think Mbappe is more used to playing on the inside or on the left. Vinicius is less used to playing on the inside, but he’s realising that playing on the inside he’s very dangerous. It will depend on the games.”

On the team dynamics

Federico Valverde is set to return to his niche position in central midfield tomorrow after having had to fill in at right-back in the past few matches due to injuries. On being asked what he thought the Uruguayan’s best position was, Ancelotti replied:

“I think he is a modern midfielder, in the sense that he can be a defensive pivot, an interior player who arrives from the second line with a formidable shot. His best position is as a midfielder.”

With no Vinicius and Rodrygo only returning from injury, it has been suggested that Endrick might get a start against Getafe. When asked about it, Ancelotti coyly replied:

“If I think Endrick tomorrow is the ideal player to win the game he will play.”

On whether he ever thought that this season was going to be so difficult with all the injuries and questionable form, he said:

“In many years of my career, only one year has been quite easy, last year. All the other years I have had to solve problems, sooner or later the problems come. It’s impossible to think of a season like last year when everything went perfectly.

“It’s better to find the problem in November or December than in April or May, when you’re dead. Now the problem can be solved and, as I said, we are going to solve it. We are fighting for the league against a rival that is doing very well.

“The Intercontinental Cup is coming, the Super Cup… and the injured players are coming back. Soon Alaba and Camavinga will be back… We have to endure the moment with a good attitude and commitment, because the good things are yet to come.”

Talking about what aspects the team was lacking in this season, he added: “The mirror of a coach is the team. When a team lacks continuity, they don’t always have a good attitude and it’s the coach’s fault in this respect.”

On where would breakthrough star Raul Asencio stand in his plans once the injured stars return, Ancelotti replied:

“When they all come back he’s going to fight for his place. The three games he’s played he’s deserved to be a starter. He has shown confidence, he has been good on the ball and off the ball…. He deserves to be considered and fight to be a starter.”

Talking about why there have been no firm decisions made with regard to the club’s January transfer plans, Ancelotti explained:

“Because I think it’s a waste of time to think about signing players now. We will have 40 days to think about it. Things can change. Alaba is doing very well and will be back soon. We have to evaluate these things, which are a priority.”

On Getafe

Discussing tomorrow’s match and opponents Getafe, Ancelotti remarked: “They are a team that has values, because they defend very well. It will be a demanding match. The idea is to try to attack well, have control of the game and play a good game to win it.”

On Getafe manager Jose Bordalas, who defended the Real Madrid boss on Friday, the Italian said:

“Jose is a friend, a very good friend, a good person and a great coach for me. I admire him a lot as a person and as a coach. I know that tomorrow is going to be a demanding game for us as it has always been with his teams.”

Source: AS