The Real Madrid coach made his first appearance of 2025 ahead of Friday's match against Valencia and with the January transfer window open.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti gave his first press conference of the new year to preview the team's opening match of 2025 against Valencia.
Friday's match at Mestalla is the rescheduled league match from week 12 which was postponed as a mark of respect for the victims of the DANA flood disaster, which claimed the lives of 223 people in the Valencia region.
And with the start of a new year, the January transfer window officially opens – a period in which Real Madrid rarely does business, but has made this period an exception. Madrid have spotted an opportunity to sign Liverpool full-back Trent Alexander-Arnold for a bargain price, or for free when his contract expires in June. Since Wednesday they have been allowed to negotiate with the players' agents.
Both Ancelotti and his Liverpool counterpart Arne Slot have remained on the fringes when it comes to player contracts, but during this afternoon's press conference the Madrid coach was asked about the club's involvement and plans for the winter window.
He also spoke about the case of Dani Olmo, Vinicius, Alaba… and about tomorrow's match against Valencia, which has a new coach, is second from bottom and is staring relegation in the face.
After an unforgettable 2024, 2025 starts with a very demanding month with nine matches in January. What will be the keys for tomorrow's match?
Tomorrow we will start a new challenge with great enthusiasm. It will be a demanding match, Valencia have brought in a new coach and playing against them has always been difficult for us. We want to start the year well. It is a very important match because it is an opportunity to close the gap in the rankings. The team is doing well. The days off went well. Everyone has returned motivated and in top form.
Ancelotti focused on January's busy schedule
Have you had a meeting to discuss the transfer market?
Well, talking about this issue is a bit more complicated. We'll see. All I can say is that we have a lot of games in January and we are focused on that. That's it. I don't find it easy to talk about the market at the moment.
What is your opinion on the Dani Olmo case? What do you think if Barcelona fail to register a player?
I don't know all the details of the case. All I can say is that I respect all clubs, institutions and rules. But since I don't know the details, I can't answer that.
Do you expect the same hostile atmosphere at Mestalla after the club's solidarity after the DANA disaster?
We think about what we might encounter on the field. An opponent has changed coaches and when that happens, players can usually be more motivated. For me [Rubén] Baraja did a fantastic job, but things like that happen in football. They have a new coach with new ideas. We expect a demanding match. We have to concentrate on the match and nothing else.
At the last press conference you said you made it to 2024 alive. And now Madrid remains alive and in contention in 2025, so what happens next?
What now? As always, we have games to win, so there is nothing new compared to 2024. In November we experienced a negative moment to which the team responded very well. The team is now highly motivated and in better shape. And we have recovered players. [David] Alaba started training with us. So far everything is good. The atmosphere is good and we have to be able to maintain it with just one thing: winning matches.
Ancelotti was non-committal when asked about Madrid's January transfer dealings
You said you don't want to talk about the winter transfer window. Is it because Madrid are looking for someone, it's not the right time or because something could happen?
No, I don't want to talk because I don't think this is the right time to talk about these issues here. I said we'll see what happens, so we'll see, bearing in mind that I'm happy with the squad I have. We have also had difficulties, but nevertheless we have always been able to find a solution.
How is Vinicius doing?
Vinicius is doing very well. The players' holidays have been good for them. He feels fresh, excited and motivated by the awards he has received in recent days. Focused on making a difference tomorrow.
As coach of Real Madrid you suffered two defeats in the first match after the Christmas holidays. Are you worried about returning from vacation?
Thanks for telling me. I forgot… Apparently I see the team motivated and focused these days. I'll definitely tell them tomorrow, then it can be extra motivation for them.
Can you implement your rest plan?
Maybe. We're thinking about doing something. Now we have a more complete team, more rotations. If Alaba returns, we have the opportunity to rotate a little further back, which is the position in which we suffered a little more. Next week he will start playing games. He's very close. From the 20th…
How do you study the rival when you face a team that has a new coach?
We have looked at how [Carlos] Corberán worked with his strategy at West Brom. And then you have to see how he can adapt it to the characteristics of the players. Valencia, given the way they played with Baraja, was a team close to him. We have considered both issues.
Madrid can knock Atleti out of first place tomorrow. Did you expect Barça's decline?
No one expected it, but the level of competition in the league reduces the number of points you need to win the title a little. The fact that Atlético is there also creates uncertainty and I think it will take less than 90 points to become champions.
Which team do you see as your biggest rival for the League, Atlético or Barcelona?
Both. What happened to us in November is what happened to Barcelona in December. You have a slump and then you become competitive like before. Barcelona and Atlético have the same chances to compete with us in the League.
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