Ancelotti: Result most important

Carlo Ancelotti praised Real Madrid’s ‘compactness’ in their performance at Granada, as well as once more explaining his choice in goal.

Los Blancos played out a 1-0 win in Andalucia on Monday evening to maintain a 100 per cent start to the League campaign.

“The team was compact and they all worked well,” reflected Ancelotti afterwards.

“The first half was good and all we needed to do was score the second goal, but 0-1 is not easy to control and experiencing some difficulty is normal.

“Now what’s important is the result. The team was compact and they all played well and made an effort, so I’m happy.

“The team is working to improve. We are trying to change the philosophy and at the moment the important thing is to win points.

“Granada were a team that were afraid at the start but that played well in the second half. They are well organised and have quality players.”

The hosts had a penalty shout in the second half, for a foul from Casemiro.

“I don’t like to comment but I think the TV images clearly show it wasn’t a penalty. The referee had a good match.”

Ancelotti in effect went with five playmakers in midfield, with Luka Modric and Isco based as holding centrally.

“We had good balance because Modric and Isco played well. Isco had to make sacrifices because he is an attacking player but he has played well. Di María’s work was impressive and he gave the team balance.”

Karim Benzema has scored in both rounds of the season so far.

“Karim is playing well, scoring and working hard. He’s started La Liga well. I think we attacked a lot but we didn’t finish off those chances, which we need to do.

“The start of the game was good, but then our pace dropped.”

Main focus on team selection, though, was once more on Diego Lopez being picked ahead of Iker Casillas.

“He played the first game and the second. He’s playing well, that’s all there is to it.

“Pressure from the media? The pressure is normal in this job. Pressure is energy and perhaps we need it to do our job.”

Tags Ancelotti Casillas Diego Lopez
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