Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti believes that set pieces can be an important part of their collision against Barcelona on Sunday, in which Barcelona admits two goals against Inter and Los Blancos two weeks ago in the space of two games. He didn't give much away on his line-up either.
Ancelotti confirmed that he felt that the League race was wide open when the Barcelona can beat. It would reduce the gap at the top to just one point with three more games to go, but Los Blancos should not beat this season.
“We have to do things well. Barcelona is used to pushing the opponent into their own box. But no team is perfect. It is a game with a lot at stake, and to win you have to manage everything well, defend well, attack well. A complete game.”
“It has been a good competition and a good season. You need continuity. Winning or coming in the neighborhood will explain how tomorrow's game will be exactly. We both have a lot at stake. Barca will have a better chance than we are, but if we win, it's all for taking.”
The Brazilian attacker Rodrygo is missed last week's victory over Celta Vigo due to illness, so that Arda Guler can get into the side and perform well. There have been reports that Guler could start Sunday.
“Rodrygo is back and trains well. It is available. We don't have many options for the starting eleven, but those who are in the team can start. Rodrygo is an option for the starting eleven, like Arda.”
In the meantime without Eder Militao, David Alaba, Ferland Mendy, Antonio Rudiger and Dani Carvajal, are Los Blancos in the defense of the bare bones. Aurelien Tchouameni is expected to start defense, but Ancelotti was asked about Jesus Vallejo and younger Jacobo Ramon as options.
“Jacobo and Vallejo can be replacements for the center backs,” was his reaction.
The vulnerability of Barcelona from set pieces has lately emphasized and Ancelotti admitted that it is an area that is the key.
“In the past two years we have done well of set pieces. We have two excellent set piece Taker that are Arda [Guler] and Luka [Modric]. In the cup match, with Arda and Luka Modric, with Tchouameni, we miss Rudiger, but it is an important aspect of tomorrow's game. “
More generally, Ancelotti demanded that his players obey his orders.
“We have to be aware of offside, know how to make transitions … I spoke with the players and we have prepared for training for it. If the players listen to me, things will go well.”
Ancelotti did not seem willing to run with the idea that the dramatic Champions League exit from Barcelona could influence them negatively.
“That is football. Once you are hit, football gives you the opportunity to respond immediately.”
“I thought the game was very competitive. Barcelona came very close to reaching the final. Congratulations to PSG and Inter, who will play a beautiful and even Champions League final without favorites while I speak today.”
The flanks are another area where Los Blancos can look. Los Blancos has sufficient pace to burn with Vinicius Junior, Rodrygo and Kylian Mbappe in the last third part. Hansi Flickte anything but that Eric Garcia and Gerard Martin would start, despite the return of Alejandro Bald to Fitness. Jules Kounde is injured.
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