Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to reporters in the hours ahead of the Club World Cup semi final against Al-Ahly in Morocco. The squad will head to North Africa this afternoon, and if Madrid advances to the final, they will remain in the country through Sunday since the championship clash is scheduled for Saturday at 20:00 local time.
With a focused demeanor, Ancelotti addressed the concerns surrounding Vinicius Jr. and the team’s reaction to the intense scrutiny. He asked a pointed question about who Vinicius or his teammates must defend themselves against, recognizing a broader issue that he believes affects Spanish football. The manager did not shy away from saying Vinicius appears to be a target of something he cannot fully understand, underscoring the seriousness of the moment without dwelling on blame.
Speaking later on the season since the World Cup break, Ancelotti stressed that Madrid faced high expectations but that the squad has grown in resilience. He expressed confidence in the collective, noting that the team remains on track and believes success is attainable this season. The message was clear: the group intends to push forward together and keep faith in their project, even through tough periods.
Club World Cup
On injuries for the tournament, Ancelotti provided an update that Courtois, Militao, and Benzema are listed as doubts while hoping for improvements by Saturday. Those players stayed back in Madrid in a conciliatory gesture to preserve morale, and if an improvement occurs, they could join the squad on Thursday. He added that Al-Ahly is a club with a rich history in this competition and has repeatedly shown their quality. The team is well organized and clearly hungry to perform well, making the semi final a stern test for Madrid.
Finally, he reflected on the experience of playing the Club World Cup in Morocco. Ancelotti said the players are thrilled to compete in a country that has extended a warm welcome. He noted the strong support from fans across Morocco and in other regions, praising the organization and the high standards of facilities, pitch conditions, and weather. Madrid intends to stay for the week, aim for a victory, and return home with the trophy in hand. The mood around the squad remains optimistic as they approach the decisive matches in this global club competition, buoyed by a level of confidence that stems from years of experience at the highest level.