Carlo Ancelotti has determined that Real Madrid want to win their remaining two games in the Champions League group phase, as he considers tactics.
Los Blancos are preparing to host Galatasaray in matchday five of the competition’s group stages this term virtually assured of a place in the Round of 16.
“We have two matches and we want to win them both,” Ancelotti has stated to reporters today, though.
“Tomorrow will be a very intense game because Galatasaray are playing to progress, but we want to win both remaining games.
“A repeat of the 6-1 perhaps? We are confident that after the arrival of Roberto Mancini that Galatasaray will have changed.
“They played well in Turin. They also have offensive quality with Drogba.”
Ancelotti heads into the match with a handful of absences, including Sami Khedira, Cristiano Ronaldo, Luka Modric, Fabio Coentrao and Raphael Varane.
Considering this, the Italian mused on possible line-ups at hand.
“I like that the team has shown that it can play in a 4-3-3 and a 4-4-2. That shows the quality of the workforce.
“Without Khedira it is hard to play 4-3-3, but we can do it, because we have Di Maria, who plays there for Argentina, and Casemiro, who can come into the position.
“Would Bale take Ronaldo’s position on the left? I do not want to move him. We prefer that he is on the right. I prefer that the wingers play on the opposite side to their preferred foot.
“Is there too much competition in the squad? I have professional players who understand how hard it is to get into the team.
“And with the rotations they are all motivated because everyone can play. Nacho and Casemiro have played less, but in the second half at Almeria, Casemiro showed good fitness.
“[In midfield] I like the partnership between Alonso and Illarramendi, but we must be careful with Alonso as he is coming back from a big injury.
“Alonso may be rested and Casemiro could start in his place.”
Real Madrid squad to face Galatasaray: Casillas, Diego López, Jesús, Pepe, Ramos, Marcelo, Carvajal, Arbeloa, Nacho, Bale, Xabi Alonso, Casemiro, Di María, Isco, Illarra, José Rodríguez, Benzema, Jesé, Morata
