Ancelotti expects Xabi decision soon

Carlo Ancelotti has outlined Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey anticipation and suggested a decision from Xabi Alonso on his future is due soon.

The midfielder is out of contract at the end of the current season, meaning that from January he can hold talks with other interested parties.

Speculation continues to surround his future and whether or not he will extend his stay at Madrid, and his current Coach was once more asked on the latest today.

“The priority is that we continue playing well and winning,” Ancelotti has responded to reporters.

“His renewal is important to everyone. They are talking and it is not a priority, the priority is to continue with the good results and good games.

“We are waiting for his decision – he is considering what to do in the future. He is calm. The club is talking to him. Very soon he will decide.”

The Italian was talking ahead of Madrid’s trip out to Xativa on Saturday for the first leg of their Copa del Rey Round of 32 clash.

“We have to do it right, we will play against a team and a crowd that are very excited to face us. We will try to play a good, professional and focused game.

“We are playing on a surface [artificial turf] that we are not used to, but it is nothing much.

“The younger players like Jese, Nacho, Morata and Casemiro? They will have a chance to play. They do not have to prove anything, though, I trust them.

“Some are surprised that these players have not played much so far, but you have to consider that Jese and Morata face competition from Cristiano and Benzema and Bale, and Casemiro is against Illarra, Xabi and Modric.

“They understand and know that they have my trust. If tomorrow they play, they do not have to prove anything.

“I will decide the starting line-up tomorrow. Xabi Alonso will not travel because playing on an artificial surface is not good for him. The others are available in good shape and we will pick a good team.

“Why are there no players from the Castilla side? Because we can only select 16 players. We have few injured and we can only take 16. That is why I have not selected Castilla players.”

Ancelotti was asked of the continued speculation surrounding the future of Alvaro Morata, with it suggested that he could leave in January on loan.

“Directly Morata has not asked me. Morata is an important player and is staying here. I think he is happy here.

“If at the end of the season things are not right, we can think of loaning him out for a year. At this time he is here to help.”

Tags Alonso Ancelotti Morata Xativa
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