Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images
A 2-0 win over Real Sociedad at San Sebastian helped Real Madrid start their marathon of seven games on the right foot.
Yet, as has been the story all season, the result does not reflect the performance as the men in white were outdone for most of the period on the field.
In the end, however, goals from Vinicius Jr. and Kylian Mbappe from the penalty spot gifted them the required margin and points.
Speaking to the media after the game, the Real Madrid manager did not hold back in admitting that his team suffered and were lucky to get away with a win.
“It has been a complicated match and possibly we did not deserve to win because Real Sociedad played very well, but we endured, we suffered and we had a commitment.”
“I don’t value that very much. The sacrifice of a team with such quality we cannot always find it and today we have found it,” he added.
Elaborating on his team’s struggles, he stated that the men in white were far from their best and outlined the important absentees.
“We are not 100%, but individually the players are improving a lot. We are very happy because the important thing was to start this round of games well, there are many of them.
“When you are missing four means and we are not 100% it is very difficult to find the balance. The work of the media that have played today, Modrić, Valverde and Arda Güler, has been very good and that I value very much,” he added.
Accepting all the criticism around Real Madrid’s performances, Ancelotti accepted the feedback but ensured to show the silver lining.
“I leave very satisfied, but you have to make the sufficient and necessary criticism to improve. This match is a great opportunity for us to critically value what has not gone well but with three more points in the standings, which is the most important thing.”
Ancelotti then moved to the topic of the tactical battle on the field which Real Sociedad excelled in for most of the game. Their pressure and man-marking, in particular, made the game challenging as seen by the coach.
“It hasn’t been good. They have pressed very well in the opposing field and we have not always been able to find the free player.”
Update on Militao and Brahim
He even provided an update on the situations of Eder Militao and Brahim Diaz who were thought to have suffered injuries.
“Militao has nothing. I think I’m going to rotate in the central position in the next games. Today we were a little in emergency because we were missing almost the entire center of the field. In the next games, we will be able to rotate a little more.”
“On the other hand, Brahim has discomfort in the abductor and we will evaluate him tomorrow,” he added.
Commenting on Kylian Mbappe who once again converted from the penalty spot, Ancelotti said,
“I see it fresher and more active. With the ball he is very dangerous, he is improving a lot and I liked his game. He is also combining very well with Vini Jr.”
Finally, the manager spoke on the two penalties awarded to the team on the night and how it was decided as to who would take the penalties.
“I haven’t seen the second penalty. When the referee goes to the VAR he sees it better and I think he has had no doubts when it came to whistling it.”
“The first has been scored by Vini Jr. and the second was decided to be thrown away by Mbappé. Between them, they have the responsibility of throwing them and they take it very well.”
