Carlo Ancelotti appeared in front of the microphones in the press room of Red Bull Arena, where the Whites will meet in the first leg of the Champions League Round of 16 this Tuesday (21.00). The Italian player analyzed the current situation of the team before the match against the Germans: “We are doing well because we have a good series, we are going through a good period and Our team is excited and motivated for the Champions League that we love so much. We will play against a strong and quality opponent, a team that plays intense football and has a very high quality. “We need to play a quality game both defensively and offensively.”

Leipzig said: “He is very strong from set pieces and Carvajal played very well as a centre-back. I have to think about whether I want to take him away.” This match worries me a lot because we have to take into account that Leipzig scored 36 goals in the transition period. They have very high quality and very fast forwards. “They have four forwards who are performing very well in that regard.”

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Real Madrid played 34 matches in six months and reached the middle of the season with only two defeats. The coach compared this season with previous seasons: “I don’t know if it is the best season, maybe as a series of results, yes. I see a solid, serious, motivated team… I see a good atmosphere, everyone contributes, no one complains. “Thanks to the character of our players, we are coming to this point well despite all the difficulties.” Regarding these challenges in the form of injuries, he made it clear: “We never think about what is not there, because we have to think about what is there. We won four out of four games without Bellingham. Those who replaced him did a good job, whether it was Brahim or Joselu, they were different players. “These injuries were an opportunity to be more motivated.”

The Italian talked exactly about motivation: “My motivation is always high because I love what I do and where I do it. I love the squad I have and the players I coach. The Champions League is back and for Real Madrid this is the most important tournament because it is where we have had the most success. We will fight and compete to win.” He also touched on the motivation of experienced players such as Kroos or Modric: “The biggest motivation is What’s important for them is not the title or the money, it’s playing football, nothing else. “They really love playing football, they do it very well and they are respected for that.”

Carlo also explained how he adapts players to positions they do not know, especially due to injuries in defense: “It is very important to convince the player, but you need to know whether you can convince him. When you talk to him, you know whether you can do it or not. Whether he wants to play in that position or not, everyone knows we have problems and he wants to help. I will not put a player in a position that he is not convinced he can play. “I will never force him.” He also had words of praise for Vinicius after last Saturday’s match: “If Vinicius can play like he did against Girona, he is a player who makes a difference thanks to his continuity. He is a player of quality and has a lot. The intensity, the continuity in his game comes to the fore, because “He can play his game for 90 minutes and there are many opponents who support him in the first half, but then they slow down his physical pace. He continues to insist.”

Kroos and Vinicius

When asked about the possible renewal of Kroos and his participation in the European Championship in Germany and the possibility of Toni’s return to the national team, Carletto said: “For me it is difficult to say that this is Kroos’s best season because he has always maintained it. Also in passing same success rate. His quality has not changed in the last 10 years, but now he plays in a very energetic team and his quality in managing the tempo of the game makes him different. Toni is very good in the group in this regard. Toni’s decision is his decision and must be respected. In my opinion, one must stand at the highest point, but one must also choose the right moment. It could be the highest figure for Kroos this year or next year. Since he started playing, his performance has always been the same, very high and constant. Just like a coach, he needs to stay on top. Kroos has the right to choose whatever he wants. Eurocup is important and playing against Germany could be good for them. Whatever your decision is, we respect it.” And he finished his words by talking about the generational change the team experienced during his time at the helm: “There is a natural transition within the team and we do not need to force it. Some legends are gone, some remain. “The success of this transition has been driven by the lack of ego in the remaining experienced players, which has enabled the youngsters to adapt very well to the dressing room and the club.”