‘Ancelotti good for the players’

Nacho Fernandez has reflected on the first days of work under new Coach Carlo Ancelotti, enthusing at his attitude with the playing staff.

The Italian has this week begun preseason training with the group and has already run through two training sessions.

“We have only had two days, there has not been time to talk about systems. He wants a united team, and hard working, and with professionals,” reflected Nacho at a Press conference after today’s morning workout.

“There is a very good atmosphere, as it was last year among the players. He is a quiet guy, close to the players and that is very good for us.

“[New assistant Coach Zinedine] Zidane? He is also very close to us, communicating with the players. He was a great player and he will bring to us a great experience.”

Under-21 international Nacho is joined this summer at the Santiago Bernabeu by Asier Illarramendi and Isco.

“As a fellow Spanish international teammate at Under-21 level, for me it is a job. Anyone young Spanish players in this country carry much hope for the future.

“We have a major challenge ahead of us and we hope to rise to it. Madrid always has a responsibility to win everything, that is the requirement that exists here.

“My role? I have just renewed, I have four more years on my contract. I have been working for years to be in the first team and my only goal is to win the confidence of the Coach and to stay here.

“The Coach knows that I can play anywhere in defence, I am sure he knows and he will decide where to play.

“Mourinho gave me my debut? I only have words of praise for him. Thanks to him, I have fulfilled a dream of reaching the first team. I debuted and I am here because of him. I only have good words.

“To other youth players I say, to get there you have to work hard and then continue to do so to stay in the first team.

“I would also say that when you least expect it, the opportunity comes and you must work hard every day to be prepared to take it.”

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