Carlo Ancelotti has reiterated that Real Madrid to not want to sell Alvaro Morata this month, revealing he has not asked to leave the club.
Arsenal were linked with an approach for the forward after Theo Walcott was ruled out for the rest of the season, while Liverpool have also been mentioned as possible suitors for the player.
Ancelotti has said repeatedly that he doesn’t want to sell any member of his squad in the winter transfer window and expressed his pleasure with Morata’s recent contributions.
“We have not changed our plan,” Ancelotti is quoted as saying by ESPN. “Furthermore, Morata has not asked to leave. I am very happy with him.”
Ancelotti was speaking after Madrid’s 2-0 Copa del Rey win over Osasuna, a game in which Morata played the final 10 minutes and Jese scored the second goal.
The Coach praised Jese and insisted the tie was not over, calling for a focused performance in the return leg.
“2-0 is a good result, we tried to score the third and came close. We need to go out there to play because the second leg will not be easy. It is a good result but we will not be thinking about getting a 0-0.
“[Jese] played well, worked hard, scored and was involved in the match. He is an important player and is in good form and we have to make the most of that. He only came off because of a cramp.”
Gareth Bale played the entire 90 minutes as he works his way back to full fitness, while Angel Di Maria, at the centre of the crotch-grabbing row, was left on the bench.
“Everyone knows [Bale] has had problems. He needs to get back to his best and that is why he played the entire match.
“He did not participate as much in the first half but was more open and looking to create more attacks in the second. We are all very happy. He had a problem for 20 days and is looking to get to his best.”
As for Di Maria, Ancelotti explained: “We didn't need Di Maria because the wingers did very well.
“Bale did very well and was dangerous, while Jese and Cristiano [Ronaldo] combined well.”
