Carlo Ancelotti believes that Karim Benzema can respond to pressure from Real Madrid’s fans, as he clarifies Gareth Bale’s availability.
Sections of Los Blancos’ support have whistled the team’s French striker through the early season, with his missed chances in Sunday’s 4-1 win over Getafe drawing a mixed response from the Santiago Bernabeu.
Whilst the player has also received cheers from other sections of the ground, his Coach has suggested that the whistles are not affecting him negatively.
“His performances have been good. I like his work, regardless of the goals,” considered Ancelotti in today’s Press conference.
“It is not a problem that the public are not behind him. Sometimes it is good, because it can motivate him.”
Ancelotti faced questions on Gareth Bale’s availability this midweek and for the weekend’s derby with Atletico Madrid, after pulling out of Sunday’s win over Getafe with a concern over his thigh.
“He began training again yesterday, working individually and I believe that there will be no problems for the game on Saturday.
“He will not be available tomorrow so that he can prepare for Saturday. He was not happy after Sunday’s game but today things have changed quickly because we have started thinking towards Saturday’s game.
“Have we rushed Bale into things? I think he played the first 60 minutes at Villarreal, only 30 at Galatasaray.
“There were no issues for Getafe, then came this problem but it was not a muscle injury, because if it was then he wouldn’t be able to train today and be able to play next Saturday.
“I do not know what happened but we did not want to risk putting him on the pitch, but he will be available next Saturday.”
Madrid are currently two points behind Atletico and Barcelona after five games played.
“Atletico are doing very well. They played a great final in the Supercopa. Barcelona are always very competitive, but I was surprised more by Atletico, who has the personality of their Coach, a man with character.
“We are improving. We have played some good games. We need a bit of continuity.”
Focus this early season is on playing philosophy, with Barcelona seen as changing under Tata Martino to a more direct route and Madrid under Ancelotti believed to be focused more on possession.
“It’s not easy. I believe that a Coach has to adapt not to a style of play, but to the characteristics of the players.
“I think it is more the Coach who has to adapt. Naturally a Coach has a playing philosophy that he wants to bring to the team, but taking into account the characteristics of the players.
“It was surprising to see Barca score on the counter-attack against Rayo Vallecano and conceding possession for the first time in many games.”
Ancelotti was asked of Carvajal’s early work since his return to the club this summer.
“Very good, he has started the season well, he is playing games with confidence, with a good attitude mentally and physically.
“It is normal for a young player to have a lot of enthusiasm for playing with Madrid and also the pressure, but he is doing very well. I’m happy.”
The Italian was talking ahead of Madrid’s trip out to Elche.
“We have to be careful with this game because we have the experience of Villarreal, where we played a very tough game. Teams face us with ambition.
“They won the Segunda Division last year and will play against Madrid with great determination.
“First-team plans? We have recovered Varane and Coentrao, they are available. The important thing is that they have recovered well.
“We have a lot of competition in every position and I will play the one I believe is best for the game. Marcelo will be available for Saturday.”
Ancelotti was asked of Isco’s strong start to his Madrid career.
“To compare him to Zidane is not wrong, especially after the first few games he has played, whilst it is true, he looks like Zidane.
“We have to ask Zinedine and I have. He says that Isco is not yet there, but maybe in the future he will be very close.”
