Ancelotti hints at new Isco role

Carlo Ancelotti hinted Isco could be the long-term replacement for Luka Modric following Real Madrid's 4-0 success at Eibar on Saturday evening.

The 22-year-old was surprisingly chosen to fill the void left by the injured Croat in central midfield, but the Coach believes the former Malaga star showed enough quality in the Basque country to warrant an extended run in the team.

“He was great. He continuously found himself in good defensive positions and offered good quality in attack as usual. He showed he could play in that position,” Ancelotti mused to reporters.

“We played well and showed great concentration for the entire match. I appreciate the good work and quality from all my players.

“Khedira has no issues, but he just played two games for his country after an injury, so I preferred to put Isco in, as he recovered well from his recent matches."

“The defeat will come, of course. Our objective is to continue this streak. The team are well and all the players are motivated and doing a fantastic job.

“The season is long, and we must press ahead with this attitude.”

Ancelotti then lavished praise on Eibar and their supporters for doing all they could to make for a fascinating contest between the two teams.

“They played their game. They're a team who fight and are well-drilled defensively,” he added.

“They tried to hit us on the counter, but I think that Madrid were good in all aspects. We were very focused.

“The game was a party for their people, and we're happy for them. We had many fans against us, but this is good for the respect they have for you. The fans were eager.”

Tags Carlo Ancelotti Isco
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