Real Madrid got off to the greatest possible start to the year by winning three vital points against Mallorca in a match that was contested until the very end. Up until the 78th minute, the game was evenly balanced; nonetheless, the squad was able to secure the victory thanks to a finish by Antonio Rudiger that was composed of Luka Modric’s pass.
Despite Girona’s victory on the night, the Merengues are able to maintain their leadership in the league rankings as a consequence of this outcome; nevertheless, it is important to note that this position is not yet uncontested.
Carlo Ancelotti sat down for a lengthy and in-depth news conference following Real Madrid’s first victory of 2024. During the long and thorough press conference, he discussed a variety of issues, including the best performances, the injury-returnees, and the rigorous schedule that lies ahead. He started out by making a joke on how Real Madrid managed to squeak out a victory against a chance that originated from a set-piece.
At this point in the season, we have scored a significant number of goals from set-pieces, and my coaching staff is doing an excellent job of improving this aspect of the game. This is not done by me in any way. Both our kickers and our finishers are of a formidable caliber. In some games, having the dead ball offers you an edge over the other players.
As the Italian manager elaborated on the formidable test that Mallorca presented at Santiago Bernabeu, he said, “Today it has been difficult, against a strong team in the duels and that defends very well.” As for us, we haven’t been performing at our best either. When it comes to the last third, we have not been very successful or fresh. A well-executed dead-ball scenario was the key to our victory.
Real Madrid’s league season reached its halfway point with the match that took place yesterday night during the match. Following the completion of 19 games, the manager paused for a minute to evaluate the current standing of the club.
During this first round, we have performed well, and I believe that we could not have done a greater job. It is now a part of the past, and we must now focus on whatever is ahead. This League is likely to be a difficult one to play in.”
What has come as a surprise is Girona, which is doing quite well. The fact that Real Madrid, Barcelona, and Atlético were going to battle it out to the very end was something that was anticipated from the very beginning, he continued. Girona, on the other hand, managed to pull off a late victory against Atletico Madrid on the same night, winning 4-3.
It was then requested of the manager that he provide his thoughts on Real Madrid’s remarkable defensive performance despite the fact that the litany of ailments seemingly never ends. He lauded the defense for the fact that they have only allowed 11 goals to be scored against them in La Liga thus far.
“The fact that we only allow a small number of goals to be scored makes me happy” This indicates that the team is committed to their task and works well together. We were having issues at the back with Atlético, but we have resolved those issues, and we are now in a really strong position. Because it is everyone’s responsibility, it is essential.
“The goals that we gave up against Atlético opened our eyes to the fact that we were lacking in the centers of the field throughout that encounter. The problem was resolved by moving the centers closer to the penalty area, as he explained further.
Ancelotti then went on to discuss the January transfer market, which was previously considered to be Real Madrid’s opportunity to strengthen their defense because of the upcoming transfer window. The fact that Los Blancos will not be making any new signings, on the other hand, has become public knowledge in recent days.
The manager said, “I keep in mind that in the past we have had problems this month, but it gives me confidence that we are recovering important players,” while denying that any new players had been brought in.
“Camavinga and Mendy will be there for the subsequent one, and Vini Jr., who has been absent for a considerable amount of time, will experience an improvement in his health. We have had hardships in the past, but I am certain that we will be able to perform admirably this month,” he said.
A game that looked to be headed toward a draw was saved by Real Madrid’s Antonio Rudiger, who scored the game-winning goal in the nick of time. Rudiger was the hero of the night. The German star was lauded by the coach for his leadership during the current season.
“He has not just taken advantage of the injuries that have occurred among the center backs, which have been significant, but he is also maintaining a very high level of continuity overall. Every moment, he is attentive and prepared. In addition to being an insurance policy at the back, he is performing extremely well and is the best.
After that, Ancelotti was questioned about Jude Bellingham’s goalless performance that evening. Bellingham had scored goals in almost every game this season.
The fact that he doesn’t score goals is hardly shocking. He has put in a lot of effort, and it has helped when he has scored goals. Regarding the Golden Boy, he said, “He has lacked a little success and freshness, like Rodrygo and Vini Jr.”
Regarding Vinicius Jr.’s long-ago injury comeback, Ancelotti stated: “The change was agreed.” The decision was whether to start the game or to depart later since he had a serious injury. He performed for sixty minutes, and they were useful.
The young player, Arda Guler, was in the squad that night but did not make his club debut, therefore the Italian manager also had a lot to say about him.
“Don’t worry, it’s all right. I am well aware that he is eighteen years old, and he has begun training with the squad. He will be a crucial player for the club’s present and future, so be at ease and serene with him.
“It’s critical to have patience. The player and I both have it. He will eventually get recognition and his share of the limelight because the talent is there, he said.
During his news conference after the game, the manager also made a point of praising another young player, Brahim Diaz.
It’s in a great moment. The header is not his best game, however I’m not sure how he missed the goal. He and Joselu have given a different type of contribution to a squad that was going through hardship.
The perennial question about Kepa Arrizabalaga and Andriy Lunin was put to Ancelotti as the news conference was coming to an end.
“We’ll see who the goalie is, but there will always be one. Since Kepa has been having issues lately, Lunin played today. “I will assess who will play the next game when we get to Arabia, and Kepa will play the next one,” he said.
He continued by giving the media a preview of his preparations for the next Cup match as well as potential lineup changes that evening.
“There will be some switching about. There could be some young players on the team, and I might decide to start a center player beside Nacho. We have to work on creating a quality game.
Ultimately, the Italian coach took a strong stand against Alejandro Muniz Ruiz, the night’s referee, to wrap off his news conference.
“He is a young, talented referee. These have been minor card details. We have protested a great deal—perhaps too much, given that they gave Lunin and Rodrygo a card for their protests. This doesn’t sit well with me.
