Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the team’s away fixture against Osasuna on Saturday. He was asked about the availability of three players — David Alaba, Antonio Rüdiger and Lucas Vázquez — and he confirmed that all three will be available for Manchester City. He said: “[Rüdiger and Alaba are] improving. They will continue with individual training until Monday and will be available against City. Including Lucas Vázquez.”
Ancelotti on the match vs Osasuna
“ It’s an opportunity to maintain the lead, which is our objective. It will be a difficult match, obviously, but we came out well from the last game and we must confirm these feelings. We must repeat all the good things we did against City.
“This team understands very well when it has to push. And tomorrow… the league is very tight. If we don’t understand that tomorrow is vital, we’re making a mistake.”
Ancelotti on being tired of the Vinicius Jr and Saudi Arabia links
“I’m tired, yes. Am I worried? No. Do I see him happy? Yes. And we are happy with him. There is nothing more to add than what I added a… or two weeks ago. It is a topic that is talked about outside, not here. He doesn’t do it either. I see the Vinicius of always, with a lot of desire. And you can see it! A lot of desire to do things well, as happened in the last game. And I think he will continue to do well, because he is starting to have good physical form after the injuries, I see him very motivated and, above all, for what he did in the game against City, where he was under a lot of pressure and he held up very well, also making the difference.”
Ancelotti on whether he would leave for Saudi Arabia at some point
“The situation in Saudi Arabia should not be surprising. They are facing the 2034 World Cup and are in a competitive moment, although less so than Europe, at the moment… But in the future, we will see. Should I leave? Why not. If I want to continue in football, why not?”
Ancelotti on whether Asencio is undisputed
“There are no undisputed players here. But he is showing personality and character against demanding and strong rivals… he is doing very well and, of course, he will compete with the rest to be a starter.”
Ancelotti on the right-back position
“Valverde will stay until Lucas returns. He contributes a lot and I liked him against City. He likes this position, in fact. Tomorrow we will continue with him.”
Ancelotti on why Real Madrid have not won consecutive league titles in a while
“It’s difficult to say, but the rivalry is very high. There are teams like Atlético or Barcelona that are very tough, they fight every year. It’s not easy to repeat, because of the competitiveness.”
Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham
“He has personality and character. He is very young and has everything to be one of the leaders of this club.”