Carlo Ancelotti has hailed the performance of Isco during Real Madrid’s 4-1 victory over Cornella in the Copa del Rey.
The former Malaga midfielder continued his recent good form with another influential display against the Catalonian minnows on Thursday, and the Madrid Coach is delighted with how the 22-year-old grasped his opportunity.
“The team played seriously. We did well and ended up imposing ourselves on them, so I'm happy. The work Cornella did meant they deserved their goal,” he told reporters.
“There was a very good atmosphere. Cornella took advantage [of the opening for their goal] and played well. Those who watched the game will be happy."
“[Isco] is a beloved player. He worked, joined in and ran … He’s in his best spell at Madrid, and I hope he keeps this pace and attitude up.”
Ancelotti then gave his thoughts on Dani Carvajal’s deployment on the left, the inclusions of Karim Benzema and James Rodriguez, his use of a 4-4-2 system and reports which linked Madrid with a late move for Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez.
“I thought I’d get [Carvajal] used to playing on the left side,” Ancelotti added.
"I don’t play [Benzema] just because he's so good, but because he’s fit. He’s had no fitness issues, so he doesn’t need rest.
“He was fine. Asier Illarramendi and Sami Khedira showed good fitness too, and I'm happy about that.
"4-4-2 is a system with which we defend well, as you press without the ball better. In attack, [it allows us to] put a player on the wing.
"There is no problem [with James Rodriguez]. He was scheduled to play for an hour and then be replaced. He had a proper game.
"[Regarding Mario Gomez], it's not true."
The Italian earlier caused a stir with his suggestion that Sepp Blatter should ‘keep his mouth shut’ in regards to the FIFA President’s belief that Manuel Neuer should win the 2014 Ballon d’Or, but he hit back by claiming that the Swiss was misquoted by the media.
“I want to clarify this. Perhaps the question was not so clear,” Ancelotti suggested.
“You asked me what I thought about Blatter’s request to give the Ballon d’Or to Neuer,” the ex-Chelsea and Milan Coach explained.
“Blatter didn’t request a Ballon d'Neuer, but rather [he said that he earned it] by winning the World Cup.”
