Carlo Ancelotti has stressed the importance he places on listening to his players, as he urges Real Madrid to this week turn around their issues.
The club are in an uncertain moment after defeat at the weekend to Atletico Madrid, with the dressing room impressing upon their Coach a meeting on Monday morning before training.
Reports today have focused on that, as well as Ancelotti then dining with club President Florentino Perez and general manager Jose Angel Sanchez in the evening.
“I think that no-one should be interested in who I have dinner with or not. It’s a private thing, no-one’s business,” an irritated Ancelotti remarked to being asked of the meal as an opening question in today’s Champions League Press conference.
“The meeting with the players? It was not at the request of the players. At this point it is very important to talk to the players to know what they are thinking, because we are all together.
“The opinion of the players is very important so as to better understand the problem and to help find a quick solution.
“I am less than happy because the match against Atletico was not good. We are all together, when things go well and when they do not.
“The results were good until last week. We have won six of the first eight matches. What happens is that we are not playing in a natural manner.
“I went through this at Paris Saint-Germain. It requires time. The team will play well soon.
“The summer activity? Florentino Perez has done a lot to get me here. He is very intelligent. When we sign a player it because we have agreed to.
“I am very happy for the players that have been brought here, they have great quality.
“This is the strongest team of my career. We have to play better, but that’s my problem and I will fix it.”
Madrid play host to Danish outfit Copenhagen on Wednesday evening in the second round of group stage games in the Champions League.
“We need and expect to react quickly in terms of results and in our play. So, tomorrow’s game is important.
“It is not just to continue along the right way in the Champions League, but so as to change the attitude and spirit.
“We know about Copenhagen, that they have the same philosophy and the same Coach as when I faced them a few years ago. We know all about them.
“We know that they are not doing well in their League, but they started in Europe with a good game against Juventus and we should pay attention in this sort of game. This is a good opportunity for us to react.”
