“We have to react and play with character and personality in the Balaídos”, said Real Madrid's manager.
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press the day before the La Liga match against Celta. The Italian coach, who confirmed that Khedira and Arbeloa will definitely play and Cristiano, Pepe, Varane, Carvajal and Di María are not available”, analysed the clash with the Galician outfit: “We have to beat Celta and then hope because there could be more upsets. We've lost points in La Liga and we have two matches to win. It could be that the league is over tomorrow or it could be more open that we expect. There have been a lot of shock results this season in La Liga and we have to be ready in case it happens again”.
“Celta play very attractive football and they know what they are doing. That is what we expect from them and we have to be good in defence. We have to react and play with character and personality in the Balaídos. We'll try to do our best to win this match”.
The return of Arbeloa and Khedira
"They’re available and now I am going to decide if it's better to play them from the start or not. They’ll definitely play. I have to decide if I should put them on for the second half when the intensity of the match is lower. But they’re both good to go and will play".
“Celta play very attractive football and they know what they are doing. That is what we expect from them and we have to be good in defence. We have to react and play with character and personality in the Balaídos. We'll try to do our best to win this match”.
The return of Arbeloa and Khedira
"They’re available and now I am going to decide if it's better to play them from the start or not. They’ll definitely play. I have to decide if I should put them on for the second half when the intensity of the match is lower. But they’re both good to go and will play".
ARBELOA AND KHEDIRA HAVE SHOWN INCREDIBLE PROFESSIONALISM.
“Khedira is fit. He doesn’t have any problems. He has been given the all-clear from the medical staff. He is full of confidence and can’t wait to play. He can’t play the full 90 minutes yet but he is in good shape both mentally and physically".
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence
“He won’t play tomorrow because he’s not 100% fit. We’ve won plenty of games without him, although he is still a fundamental player for us. We’re not going to risk him if he’s not 100%. We have to think about winning without him. It is a mutual decision and I prefer not to take risks. Pepe, Varane, Carvajal and Di María won't be playing either”.
“We’re not thinking ahead to the final of the Champions League, it’s just that these players are unavailable. We’ll do our best because mathematically we still have a chance of winning the league. Anything can happen in football and tomorrow I’ll select a team that will go out to win. That’s the goal. Cristiano Ronaldo, above all else, could play if tomorrow were a final, but as it’s not we won’t be involved”.
Modric and his importance to the team
“He has always looked at ease and the presence of Xabi Alonso has helped him a lot. They make a great partnership and have played with a lot of personality this season”.
Explanation for mental fatigue
“It’s nothing new in football. The same thing happened to Atlético against Levante. After a semi-final like we just had, in which you expend so much energy, it’s a normal thing to happen. The team is feeling a lot better now”.
Cristiano Ronaldo's absence
“He won’t play tomorrow because he’s not 100% fit. We’ve won plenty of games without him, although he is still a fundamental player for us. We’re not going to risk him if he’s not 100%. We have to think about winning without him. It is a mutual decision and I prefer not to take risks. Pepe, Varane, Carvajal and Di María won't be playing either”.
“We’re not thinking ahead to the final of the Champions League, it’s just that these players are unavailable. We’ll do our best because mathematically we still have a chance of winning the league. Anything can happen in football and tomorrow I’ll select a team that will go out to win. That’s the goal. Cristiano Ronaldo, above all else, could play if tomorrow were a final, but as it’s not we won’t be involved”.
Modric and his importance to the team
“He has always looked at ease and the presence of Xabi Alonso has helped him a lot. They make a great partnership and have played with a lot of personality this season”.
Explanation for mental fatigue
“It’s nothing new in football. The same thing happened to Atlético against Levante. After a semi-final like we just had, in which you expend so much energy, it’s a normal thing to happen. The team is feeling a lot better now”.
