Ancelotti outlines the benefits of Barcelona’s friendly
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that he benefited from the friendly match between Barcelona, and explained the future of many players such as Marco Asensio and Dani Ceballos.
Real Madrid lost its first preparatory match, which came by falling to its rivals Barcelona, with a goal unanswered, scored by Rafinha with a long-range shot that hit Courtois in the 27th minute, while Karim Benzema missed the meeting, which witnessed the first participation of Robert Lewandowski in the Barca shirt.
The Italian coach said about the match: “The meeting was good, especially the first half. I tried to participate in the new elements so that they adapt to the team, and I see that it was an even match.”
Ancelotti believes in the strength of Real Madrid’s squad
He added, “I tried to give everyone minutes because of their physical condition, I like this match, we played against a very strong opponent.”
He continued: “We suffered a little bit from the start, especially in the back lines, it is clear that when we play in the midfield with Casemiro, Kroos and Modric it is easier, but I wanted to allow the young people to take the chance, they played very well defensively but it was like that and this is the time The first time they played together.
Ancelotti talked about the players’ performance during the friendly Clasico, in statements carried by the Spanish newspaper “Marca”.
The coach of Real Madrid said: “Rüdiger? I liked him a lot as a full-back. I am not crazy and I know that he is not his position, but he is very smart. He can play in this position or switch places with Alaba.”
He added: “Hazard? He can play in many positions and also has to adapt to the attacking position and needs more minutes to improve his condition.”
The future of Real Madrid players
On the future of Asensio and Ceballos, he said: “They do not bother me. The competition has increased, but they are two players who are working well and this is their decision.”
He continued, “We have a lot of players, the team is better than last season and the intensity of training has improved.”
He added: “Borja Mayoral? He is training and if he deserves to play, he will play.”
On Karim Benzema and his absence in the Clasico match, Ancelotti said: “Benzema will play 45 minutes against America Club and will play more in 30 minutes in the next match, where I will test the team that will play in the European Super Cup, there is no one in the world who can replace Karim.”
When asked about Alaba, the Italian coach replied: “He will play at left-back only when necessary. I do not want to break up last year’s partnership in our defense.”