Ancelotti talks Mbappe, Courtois, Guler, Modric, Kroos, Simeone ahead of Lille vs Real Madrid | OneFootball

Real Madrid are set to take to the field for their second UEFA Champions League clash of the season tomorrow night.

After winning the first game against VfB Stuttgart, they will look to further their good run in the competition with a win over Lille on Wednesday in a game that they enter as favourites.

The game, however, will be far from a simple affair given that it will be away from home at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.

Speaking to the media ahead of Real Madrid’s UEFA Champions League game in France, Carlo Ancelotti addressed a plethora of topics ranging from the team’s previous outing to the planning for tomorrow’s clash.

“You have to add points, taking into account the value of the rival. They are a team who play very well. They like to play with ball, have young and quality players,” he began, previewing Wednesday’s game.

“All battles must be fought. That’s why we’re here. We’re fine. Convinced that we can improve. We are ready. There are many games, but we are doing pretty well,” he added.

On the controversial Madrid derby

The Italian gaffer was quickly quizzed about the controversy in the derby at the weekend, especially the incident where objects were hurled at Thibaut Courtois and players ushered off the field.

He first spoke on Atletico Madrid president Diego Simeone asking for a sanction for the Real Madrid goalkeeper, saying,

“I respect everyone’s opinion. The issue is clear. In the game there were violent acts and the violent cannot be in football or in society.”

“I try to respect all opinions, but what happened was seen by everyone,” he added.

Further elaborating on the statements of the Atletico Madrid captain, players and coach after the game, Ancelotti insisted that no one could justify the immoral proceedings that unfolded on the night.

“Talking about other things is to deflect the shot. The shot is that the violent can’t be in football. Not in Atleti, in any field. Football doesn’t need them. That they stay somewhere else, that is not dangerous.”

“I speak in general. Whether he is a violent of Madrid, Barça, Atleti, Villarreal, it doesn’t matter. May the violent leave us alone,” he added.

Ancelotti respects Simeone’s opinion but does not agree. (Photo by Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images)

Finally, he stood in support of his player and explained how Courtois was the biggest victim at Civitas Metropolitano.

“I am respectful and answer, but responding to Courtois’ behaviour, when they have shouted at him during the game “die” is to deflect the shot. There’s no more to talk about.”

On tomorrow’s game

When asked to comment on Lille, the opposition for the UCL game on Wednesday, Ancelotti said,

“They’re a great club, they have done very well and great players came out of here.”

He even provided an update on Kylian Mbappe who has recovered ahead of schedule and made it to the squad travelling to France.

“He has recovered very well, very fast. He trained yesterday and today he will do the complete training with us. Then we will make the decision all together, because the last thing we want is to risk it.”

Elaborating on how the player recovered ahead of schedule and whether the initial prognosis was flawed, he said,

“Mbappe has had an overload. Now with new technologies, we talk about grade one, grade two. He used to be a supercharge and in less than a week he has recovered well.”

“He wanted to travel to play. We’ll see what training he does today. If he’s fully fit, he can play. If there is no risk, he will play from the first minute,” he concluded.

Luka Modric surprised everyone with his quality and sharpness against Real Madrid and the manager was asked if he saw the Croatian as one who can play the role Toni Kroos played for the club last season.

“We are finding that he can replace Kroos, it’s true. We have to adapt to this absence. For me, he was the best in the derby. For me, Kroos is irreplaceable, we will find a way to play without him,” he said.

“The team has new qualities. At the moment we have not shown our full potential, but I am convinced that we will show the best level very soon,” he added.

When quizzed if Arda Guler would have minutes on the night, the manager gave a very diplomatic answer giving nothing away.

“In this stretch he has played more than last year. He did it well. He’s progressing. I don’t have to tell him anything. He knows his role here: he has a future and is within the team. Work like everyone else. Sometimes he plays and sometimes he doesn’t.”

Source: AS