Real Madrid will play host to Real Betis on Match day 4 of the 2024/25 LaLiga season. The reigning LaLiga champions are coming off the back of a disappointing draw vs Las Palmas 1-1, dropping two crucial points and further loosing their grip on the title with team Barca flying high.
Ahead of a must win game before a two-week international break, Carlo Ancelotti continue to be without star players Jude Bellingham and Eduardo Camavinga. Both players are missing due to injuries.
Carlo Ancelotti’s pre-match presser
As usual, Carlo Ancelotti face a hand full of questions from the press including how he’s copes with criticism, the Italian replied;
“Criticism just 3 months after winning the CL? It’s normal at Real Madrid. It will be like this until May, as always.”
The Italian was then asked to comment on the point gap between his side and Barça, to which he replied;
“4 points behind Barcelona? We are more worried about our performances. We haven’t played well. The season is long.”
A topic that has been burning hot in recent days has been the penalty taking role. When asked who was the penalty taker in his team, Carlo said;
“Last season I said I decide the penalties but this year I am saying players will decide? It’s good to give them responsibility. I have total confidence in my players. I rely on both of them and I don’t see a problem with it.”
On the defensive aspect of his team, Carlo then continued;
“We must defend better as a team. We have conceded 2 goals in 5 games but the problem is we have problems in recovering the ball.”
Real Madrid have not particularly played well this season. Picking up just 5 points, the infield performance by the team has been horrible. On whether the coach is worried, Carlo said;
“Being worried is not a bad thing because it means that you are taking care of the problem.”
Carlo Ancelotti also went on to discuss on new arrival kylian Mbappe as he said;
“Adapting to Kylian Mbappé? He’s our last thought. He’s playing well, very dangerous in attack. yes he hasn’t scored much but his movements have been great. He is adapting very well.”
While discussing on Mbappe’s early days at Real Madrid, the manager also discussed on his Relationship with Vinicius Jr as he said;
“Mbappé and Vinicius can switch positions on the pitch but Vinicius has been playing more on the left and we will continue like this.”
“Vini Jr. and Kylian Mbappé understand each other perfectly. The offense has been good, we need more mobility but they will find each other better. I have no doubts about it. There is no problem. We have the best players in the world in our attack.”
Having been linked with an exit all summer, Dani Ceballos finally decided to stay at Real Madrid. On that Ancelotti said:
“Ceballos has stayed. He’s important. We are happy that he stays with us. He will be useful.”
Carlo Ancelotti rounded up his presser urging the Bernabéu crowd to get behind the team saying;
