Real go to Atalanta tonight against a La Dea team who currently lead the Serie A table. Ancelotti admits they are a different team to the one they beat to win the UEFA Super Cup.
The competition:
“It is a demanding match against a team that is doing well. It has improved compared to the European Super Cup. It has good dynamics, enthusiasm and has won a lot of matches. We must take advantage of the three remaining matches to qualify .”
Vinicius Junior:
“He's doing well. Today's training will be very important, just like Rodrygo. Bellingham is fine, 100%. The only doubts are Vinicius and Rodrygo. After training we will decide.”
Bellingham change:
“Not much. What has changed is the dynamics of the team: now we have more mobility up front and he is benefiting from that. Of course he has scored and that is important, but his attitude has remained the same.”
Gasperini:
“We are good friends. He was in the youth academy of Juventus when I was there. He does a fantastic job. They change a lot of players every season, but he knows how to adapt. Intense, beautiful game. His work is spectacular. .”
Valverde's minutes… and the 'mini' holiday:
“For him, yes. Of course you think about that, but when you have so many injuries and some of them long-term, it is difficult to rotate. Valverde is a special case because he played as a full-back.” , center, midfielder, winger… if someone says he doesn't like being a winger, I don't care because with him as a winger we won two Champions Leagues. He is a fundamental player for this team.”
Why don't Güler and Endrick play anymore?
“Endrick will stay here, just like Güler. They may need more minutes, but I have no prejudices about anyone. I just try to put the best in every match, whether they are 18 or 40 years old. Sometimes it can be like that with Endrick, with Güler or without them. You have to be patient with the young people, yes. They bring enthusiasm, but because they are young, they also have to learn certain things. I have no prejudices about young people: in my career that people are attracted to 17 or 18 years old, if I thought that was the ideal to play the games.”
Atalanta:
“It's a great team, a club that does a spectacular job… despite losing a lot of players every summer, as I said before. It always adapts. And that says a lot.”
More than three points:
“No, that's all. It will be three important points to qualify. It will be difficult to finish in the top eight, so unfortunately we will have to play a round of 32. But tomorrow it's just about the three points .”
Rest:
“I have full confidence in my team and in my players. We have improved and are now in good shape. Tomorrow's match could be the most difficult between now and the end of the year.”
What does a coach and a club have to experience for so long?
“The coach can hold on if the club can hold on; if not (laughs), then the coach cannot hold on. It's that simple. There is no other recipe. The club-coach relationship is very important for success. The foundation must be based on trust. If you are successful, it is because this relationship has been very good.”
Mbappe:
“Tonight should have been the first press conference without talking about Mbappé… Until you came along! (Laughs) He's doing well, getting better and better. I just gave him the confidence a player needs when he's at a new club is coming.” He is performing well and tomorrow's match could be very important.”
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