Ancelotti talks Rodrygo, Modric, next opponent after Brest 0-3 Real Madrid | OneFootball

After a rough start to the competition and a few sleepless nights over whether or not they would make it to the knockouts, Real Madrid solidified themselves as the 11th-placed team on the leaderboard, just one point off a place in the Round of 16.

The Merengues managed to pull themselves up the leaderboard with a win over Brest last night at Stade du Roudoudou and the result was never in doubt right from kickoff.

While Brest did create their chances, Real Madrid were the more clinical side in front of goal as they over-performed their xG and put three goals past the Ligue 1 opposition.

Ancelotti faces the press

Carlo Ancelotti is happy with the result. (Photo by Denis Doyle/Getty Images)

Speaking to the media after his team’s win over Brest in the Champions League, Carlo Ancelotti praised his men for the performance, albeit not without ruing over the chances they missed earlier in the event.

“It has been a good game. Today we have played well and we have been solid and serious. We are happy and happy.”

“It’s a shame not to have woken up earlier in the competition. We are happy to be like this right now,” he added.

Speaking on his team’s performance in specific parts of the field, he admitted that Los Blancos were improved both in defence and in the final third.

“We have been well defensively and offensively. We are in a good moment and we have good feelings. We want to continue like this. Today we have played well, there is no doubt about it.”

Possible opponent

Carlo Ancelotti spoke about the next opponent. (Photo by Juan Manuel Serrano Arce/Getty Images)

Real Madrid’s improved finish on the UCL standings sees them face a lower-ranked opposition on the standings and they will now face either Manchester City or Celtic in the playoff.

“We have to wait for the draw. If we get City it will be complicated for both of us, but we must wait for the draw. City is more likely to win the Champions League than Celtic.”

“We don’t like to play against them, but if it’s our turn we’ll play as we’ve done in other years,” he added on the possibility of facing Pep Guardiola’s side.

He even gave his two cents on the two extra games added to the team’s calendar after failing to make it directly to the Round of 16.

“It won’t hurt us much to play two more games because the team arrives at a good physical and mental moment.”

“We are much more solid and I have a lot of confidence in this team because I see very good things on the field,” he added.

The Real Madrid manager was then asked to give his verdict on the new format of the UEFA Champions League, to which he made his dislike towards it very clear.

“We have to respect the format. I don’t like this format because there are too many games and my idea of soccer is to take away games from the players and not put them in more.”

On Rodrygo and Modric

Rodrygo scored a brace against Brest. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Two of Real Madrid’s three goals last night came off the boots of Rodrygo Goes and Ancelotti had only words of praise for the Brazilian.

“I have seen him well since the first year I trained him. He helped us win the Champions League with his goals against City.”

“He always works well for the team. Even if he doesn’t score, his work is important for the team,” he added.

Finally, the Italian manager spoke highly of Luka Modric who received a special ovation from a stadium in France when he made his way off the ground.

“It’s deserved. He is one of the best midfielders in the world and it is nice that he has received that ovation.”

Source: Real Madrid website