Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media for the first time in 2025 to address the game against Valencia on Friday night in La Liga, and also the transfer window, which has re-opened. On that topic, Ancelotti said, “talking about this is a bit more complicated. We will see. The only thing I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focused on this. Talking about the market is not easy for me at the moment.”
Ancelotti on the start of a new year
“We’re starting a new challenge with a lot of excitement. It’s going to be a demanding game, Valencia have changed coach and we’ve always found it difficult to play against Valencia. We want to start the year well. It’s a very important game. The team is in good shape. The rest days have gone well. Everyone has come back motivated and in top form.”
Ancelotti on the Dani Olmo registration issues
“I don’t know the case in detail. What I can say is that I respect all clubs, institutions and rules. But as I don’t know the details I can’t answer.”
Ancelotti on his expectations of the Mestalla atmosphere
“We are thinking about what we are going to find on the pitch. An opponent that has changed coach and that can give extra motivation to the players. For me Baraja has done a fantastic job, but this happens in football. We expect a demanding match. We have to be focused on the game and nothing else.”
Ancelotti on objectives for 2025
“There are games to win, as always, there is nothing new. In November we went through a negative moment to which the team reacted very well. The team is now very motivated and in better shape. Alaba has started training with us. So far, so good. The atmosphere is good and we have to maintain it with only one thing, which is winning games.”
Ancelotti on whether he wants signings in January
“I don’t want to talk about it, because it’s not the right time to talk about it here. We’ll see what will happen, considering that I’m happy with the squad I have.”
Ancelotti on Vinícius returning to Mestalla
“Vinícius is very well. The holidays the players have had have been good for them. He’s fresh, excited and motivated by the awards he’s received over the last few days. He is focused on making a difference tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on two defeats in the first game after the winter break as Real Madrid coach
“Thank you for telling me. I had forgotten this. From what I’ve seen these days, I see the team motivated and focused. I will tell them this tomorrow, it can be an extra motivation.”
Ancelotti on rotations
“Maybe. We are thinking about doing something. Now we have a more complete squad, more rotations. When Alaba comes back we’ll have the opportunity to rotate a bit more at the back, which is the position where we’ve suffered the most. Next week he will start playing matches. It’s very close, from the 20th.”
Ancelotti on what to expect from new Valencia coach Carlos Corberán
“We looked at how he worked the strategy at West Brom. And then you have to see how you can adapt it to the characteristics of the players. Valencia, the way they played with Baraja, was a team that was close. We have assessed both things.”