NEWS STORY. 07/05/2022“The team is in good shape for the derby and it's important to keep up the rhythm in our game", said the coach. Carlo Ancelotti appeared in an online press conference at Real Madrid City on the day before the LaLiga matchday 35 clash with Atlético de Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano (Sunday, 9:00pm CEST). The coach explained: “The team is in good shape. We have some doubts over players who haven't recovered. We've had two days off, we'll try and get the best out of the team. Lunin will play tomorrow because I want to give Courtois a break. Alaba, Hazard, Bale and Isco are out but they'll be back following tomorrow's game".   “These games are useful for us, they give us a chance to keep out rhythm up. We might not be playing for the league anymore but it's important to keep the pace of the game and respect the competition. We want to respect our jersey as well, it means we're obliged to always give it our all".   Respect for Atlético “Italians aren't used to giving a guard of honour. Everyone should do what they feel is best and we have to respect that. We have the utmost respect for Atlético, their players and their coach. They're our neighbours, friends... If they do it, fine, and if they don't, that's okay too. We'll respect whatever they choose to do".   Who is Carlo Ancelotti? “I'm a relaxed guy. I love what I do and I enjoy my life. I'm not obsessed with football. I'm lucky enough to work in something I like doing".   Bale “All the players have an affection for Bale and vice-versa. When you have a back issue it becomes difficult to move, it happened to me. If Bale is okay, he trains, but if he doesn't it's because he can't move, not because he's distant". Retirement? “If everything is going well, I'd stay here until I'm 80, if I don't go mad. I've had a wonderful time, finding a better team than Real Madrid in world football is going to be pretty tough. When Real Madrid have had enough of me, I can think about giving it up. I have a lot to do afterwards when the time comes and that's fine".

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in an online press conference at Real Madrid City on the day before the LaLiga matchday 35 clash with Atlético de Madrid at the Wanda Metropolitano (Sunday, 9:00pm CEST). The coach explained: “The team is in good shape. We have some doubts over players who haven't recovered. We've had two days off, we'll try and get the best out of the team. Lunin will play tomorrow because I want to give Courtois a break. Alaba, Hazard, Bale and Isco are out but they'll be back following tomorrow's game".   “These games are useful for us, they give us a chance to keep out rhythm up. We might not be playing for the league anymore but it's important to keep the pace of the game and respect the competition. We want to respect our jersey as well, it means we're obliged to always give it our all".   Respect for Atlético “Italians aren't used to giving a guard of honour. Everyone should do what they feel is best and we have to respect that. We have the utmost respect for Atlético, their players and their coach. They're our neighbours, friends... If they do it, fine, and if they don't, that's okay too. We'll respect whatever they choose to do".   Who is Carlo Ancelotti? “I'm a relaxed guy. I love what I do and I enjoy my life. I'm not obsessed with football. I'm lucky enough to work in something I like doing".   Bale “All the players have an affection for Bale and vice-versa. When you have a back issue it becomes difficult to move, it happened to me. If Bale is okay, he trains, but if he doesn't it's because he can't move, not because he's distant". Retirement? “If everything is going well, I'd stay here until I'm 80, if I don't go mad. I've had a wonderful time, finding a better team than Real Madrid in world football is going to be pretty tough. When Real Madrid have had enough of me, I can think about giving it up. I have a lot to do afterwards when the time comes and that's fine".

“I don't think there is a bigger club than Real Madrid in the world and to end my long career here, I couldn't think of a better way. I want to stay here for many years, win loads of trophies, enjoy this club and this city and then do other things; first and foremost being a husband, second, a grandad and third, a fan”.   His best season in the dugout? “I've never got to this stage of the season in this kind of situation. What a week it's been after winning the league and making it to the Champions League final. To round it all off it would be great if we could win on the 28th of May and we're going to give it our all. If we win, it'll be the best season of my career”.   The secret to this group “The first thing I notice is the humility, there are no arrogant players here with big egos. It's not a defect to have an ego because at times it helps to get the best out of someone but this is a team of humble players. Not one thinks he's more important than anyone else. They don't feel less important if they get less minutes either. Then there's the weight of the jersey; a player who pulls on the Real Madrid colours feels something special".   His son “First, he's a son, that's the most important. Then, he's an assistant coach who has learned a lot to show that he's not here just because he's my son, but rather because he is very capable in his work. He's doing a great job. He's a humble, serious and professional guy. He's very focused on fine details and just like all young people, he's very enthusiastic". A second youth on returning to Real Madrid? “You could say that, I've enjoyed all the moments of my career. The two years in Naples as well, we didn't win trophies but we did a good job in the Champions League, beating Liverpool. I enjoyed my time at Everton too, being up near the top of the Premier League, but Real Madrid is Real Madrid. Coming back it's like an extended honeymoon. I said so in December and we're in May, it's been a really long honeymoon".   Carvajal “He's suffered a lot with the problems he's had and he's struggled to find his best form. He has real character and a strong personality and he's found it difficult being unable to give one hundred percent for the team but he's always done enough. He's a key piece of this squad. Nobody let their heads drop in the game against Manchester City and for players like him and Nacho, the weight of the shirt is hugely important. Now he's doing really well and he's helping us in the technical side of things and in terms of the personality of the team at the tough moments".   Ceballos “I have spoken to him and he knows exactly what the players, the club and myself feel. Then he'll have to make the right decision for him. If he stays, I'll be delighted”.

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