Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media ahead of the UEFA Champions League game against Liverpool, with a clear message on his rotation policy as he said, “I hear a lot of advice, but I’ve had 1,300 games, made 1,300 line-ups and made almost 4,000 changes. No-one can give me advice in this regard.”Ancelotti on two teams with 21 Champions League titles playing each other
“It will be very intense. We are two historic clubs. We each have our own characteristics and we’ll see who can impose them. Liverpool are always very competitive. It was with Klopp, it is with the new coach.”
Ancelotti on when Vinícius’ injury occurred
“At the end of the match. It’s not so important when, but that he got injured. What matters is that he recovers soon and think about the players who will replace him.”Ancelotti on how the team feels
“The team is doing well. We’ve improved, we’re more solid. Now we have a very demanding team in front of us. It’s a great opportunity to get back to our best. I am confident that it will be a great game. We will be competitive.”
Ancelotti on who will play at right-back
“Valverde did very well, I had no doubts. But it was an emergency and Lucas is back. He has felt good. He is an option. I can choose (between the two).”Ancelotti on the new format in the Champions League
“I think we have to wait, it’s a little different from the others. Speaking of tomorrow’s game, it will be a great match. It is important. We have to get points. In the games that come until the end, we have to get as many points as possible. I don’t know if we can reach the first eight, because we have already lost two, but we have to get as many points as possible.”
Ancelotti on the new format in the Champions League
“I think we have to wait, it’s a little different from the others. Speaking of tomorrow’s game, it will be a great match. It is important. We have to get points. In the games that come until the end, we have to get as many points as possible. I don’t know if we can reach the first eight, because we have already lost two, but we have to get as many points as possible.”Ancelotti on playing in Liverpool and against Trent Alexander-Arnold
“Sorry, but I can’t talk about Alexander-Arnold, he’s not my player. I always treat Everton with great respect and I’m still a blue.”
Ancelotti on players needing to say when they feel discomfort
“The players are professional and serious and will not take risks. Those who came back from the national team were valued and Vinícius, like Valverde, were in good shape, period. Then, sometimes it happens that the player gets injured. Why? We already know. Because there are too many matches.”Ancelotti on Real Madrid being candidates to win the Champions League
“Every win gives you more confidence. Liverpool are doing very well in the competition, but we are back and we hope to do well. With a strong lineup. The end of the season is a long way off.”
Ancelotti on 11 muscle injuries this season
“Yes, but we’ve also had seven cruciate ones. Avoiding this is complicated. It’s difficult, because it’s not Real Madrid’s problem, it’s also the problem of other teams. Everyone handles these things in their own way, but what doesn’t change are the injuries. We have to put up with this. We have to think like last year, that injuries are an opportunity to be better. It’s no coincidence that the injuries to Lucas, Militão and Rodrygo have changed the team’s dynamic.”Ancelotti on handling counter attacks better recently
“The difference is that we were able to play more compact, more solid. That was the key and it will be tomorrow as well.”
Ancelotti on Raúl Asencio
“I see him well, with personality. He’s always very good, focused. He did very well in the last two games and I’m convinced he’ll do well tomorrow.”
Ancelotti on Everton since his departure
“I follow Everton. But I’ll talk about Everton tomorrow, after our game.”
