In a press setting, Carlo Ancelotti, the Italian coach of Real Madrid, acknowledged the current challenge of chasing Barcelona at the top of La Liga. Madrid sits thirteen points behind the leaders, and the focus is squarely on consolidating second place ahead of Atlético Madrid. The coach emphasized that the team’s shirt carries a demand for attitude and consistency in every match, signaling that every game carries weight in their pursuit of the league crown.
He spoke about the approach to the upcoming fixtures, noting that a well-prepared game plan motivates the squad. Real Madrid is in a position where they must respect the competition while recognizing the gap to the leader. The motivational message is clear: if first place proves elusive, the objective remains second, and the players are aware of that reality. The team’s captaincy and unit spirit are central to staying on course despite the pressure of the schedule.
Madrid faces a difficult test against Cadiz, a side that has shown form and capability in recent weeks. Ancelotti described the Cadiz matchup as tough, highlighting Cadiz’s good run of performances and the strategic challenge it presents. The kickoff is at 21:00 local time, with the team preparing to adapt to the tempo and intensity Cadiz will bring to the game, especially on a day with a time adjustment to GMT minus two.
In the lead up to the match, questions arose about the participation of key players Vinícius Jr. and Toni Kroos. The coach clarified that Vinícius is not dealing with injuries but is experiencing overload. He described the decision not to risk playing them in a midweek game unless the squad is prepared to manage minutes and workload. Kroos shares the same concern about fatigue. The plan is to field a competitive lineup that can deliver a strong performance against Cadiz, with Vinícius and Kroos both available for a subsequent tough fixture against Chelsea.
On the injury front, Karim Benzema would not feature against Cadiz, and the coach did not want to guarantee minutes for Eden Hazard in this match. Benzema has shown signs of recovery and is monitored on a day by day basis, with minutes allocated according to his condition. The Madrid coach explained that rest and load management are part of the strategy to ensure the striker remains effective across the busy schedule. If Hazard shows that he is fit, there could be a chance for him to contribute in the coming games.
When discussing Hazard s role, Ancelotti indicated that the decision would hinge on the player’s condition on match day. He also touched on the possibility of Verdr Vinícius facing a different opponent if circumstances allow, underscoring the philosophical approach of individual player management. The coach also touched on strategic choices regarding fresh legs and the potential for tactical rotation based on fatigue levels and performance demands.
The discussion then turned to Camavinga and the team’s defensive development. Ancelotti praised Camavinga for his progress, noting that his ability to operate as a pivot or a fullback has accelerated his tactical education. The coach stressed that Camavinga can adapt to various roles due to his physical attributes and football intelligence. Looking ahead, the midfielder could develop into a central figure on the field, while his defensive work as a winger could prove valuable for the team’s balance in the future. The main message was clear: he needs ongoing learning and exposure to different responsibilities on the pitch.
Regarding the post World Cup period, the Real Madrid defense has shown improvement. When David Alaba returns to peak form, he provides a robust pillar for the backline, and the coach believes that a strong defender pairing adds confidence regardless of the partner on duty. The collective confidence among the backline has grown, reinforcing the team’s resilience in the face of various tactical challenges that come with a demanding schedule.
Beyond domestic competition, Ancelotti addressed questions about Madrid s standing in Europe. There was curiosity about whether the team should be concerned with the dominance of English clubs, particularly Manchester City, as potential favorites in European competitions. The coach dismissed any sense of alarm, pointing out that English teams remain formidable but that European dynamics can differ significantly from domestic perceptions. He cited recent history to illustrate that Spanish football, Italian teams, and other European clubs have reinforced competitiveness. He noted that last year two Spanish teams reached the semi finals, and several Italian clubs advanced deep into knockout rounds this season, underscoring the strength and depth of competition across the continent. The broader takeaway was simple: European football remains highly competitive, and assumptions about one league’s superiority do not always hold true when the games are played on the field.
In summary, Ancelotti outlined a pragmatic path forward for Real Madrid. The emphasis is on maintaining a high level of preparation, managing player workloads carefully, and leveraging the squad’s breadth to stay competitive in all arenas. The goal remains clear: maximize performance in league play while staying positioned for a strong run in European competition, and ensuring the players stay mentally and physically ready for every challenge that lies ahead.