Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after the Real Madrid 1-0 victory over Athletic Club Sunday evening. He was asked about the system he had used to beat Athletic, to which he said: “My favorite system is 4-4-2 because I think we defend better, I have a lot of affection for that because defensively it is the best system.”
Ancelotti on performance
“The truth is that in the first half, we had more control, we did not suffer from the pressure of athletics, but the truth is that we have created no chance. I think that the game was good, we did not concede a goal, we were aggressive, united. There are good news, so we see if we continue to improve.”
Ancelotti on the positioning and performance of Jude Bellingham
“This position gave us a great advantage last season. It did very well today, especially in the second half, because we attacked more and he deserved to score.”
Ancelotti on Vinicius Jr
“He is an extraordinary player, he has a fantastic attitude, he scored the goal, he established two or three goals, he was decisive as always.
“It is not a happy moment for him or for us, but I liked what he did and he is always very important for us.”
Ancelotti on the crowd
“I did not doubt that they would support us. They were great as always. They, like us, believe that we can do something this season. ”
Ancelotti on Fede Valverde
“He was the key to the goal. In the second half, we did very well for all the senses. The team delivered, and Fede was the key at the end.”
Ancelotti on the goalkeeper of the starting goal against Barcelona
“Either lunin or courteous, I would not exclude French either, who did very well when he came.”
Ancelotti to find out if it was a rehearsal for the final
“No, I set up a starting program to have more control with Luka and Ceballos, who performed well in the 60 minutes because it was injury. We have time to prepare for the final, and this victory is good for us.”
Ancelotti explaining why he did not use 4-4-2 more
“This does not mean that I have to play with four fields on the ground. Sometimes the two attackers were Mbappe and Vini, and Jude on the left, but it was a 4-4-2. You can play like that with six fields on the ground. We have wingers who can play in the middle.”
