Carlo Ancelotti has praised the Real Madrid defence after another clean sheet in the Copa del Rey win over Espanyol.
Madrid have yet to concede a goal in the calendar year with the 1-0 victory against Espanyol their eighth consecutive shutout.
Speaking to reporters after the match, Ancelotti commended his side’s defensive work.
“At the moment the system gives us confidence,” the Coach said.
“We have a good defensive balance, the entire team works to recover the ball quickly and there has been an improvement in the side’s core.
“Pepe is fine, Nacho played today with confidence and [Sergio] Ramos is at a high level every game.”
Iker Casillas and Diego Lopez have shared the eight clean sheets between them with Casillas taking the gloves for the Copa.
Ancelotti added that Casillas has impressed him as much when he’s not played as when he has.
“It’s a fantastic record for the team and for Iker as an individual.
“Iker deserves it. He’s living in a particular situation.
“He’s very good, hasn’t lost confidence and is working very professionally. He’s an example to us all.
“We deserve this record. It’s a prize for everyone’s work.”
Madrid will play either Athletic Bilbao or Atletico Madrid in the Cup semi-finals with the second-leg of the tie to be played on Wednesday.
Ancelotti insists he has no preference as to his team’s next opponents.
“It doesn’t matter because both teams are in good form,” he said.
“It will be a very difficult and important tie.” Atletico lead the match 1-0 from the first-leg.
Ancelotti also addressed the issue of substituting Fabio Coentrao for Pepe, when Marcelo was waiting on the bench.
“Everyone might think that when Coentrao comes off we will turn to Marcelo but I wanted Pepe to play the final minutes to help defend set-pieces.
“Marcelo might have been surprised but there’s nothing more to it.”
The only goal of the game was scored by Jese and while Ancelotti praised the young forward, he confirmed that, if fit, Gareth Bale will play in the League game at Athletic.
“Jese is now very dangerous,” Ancelotti said.
“It is a very important and difficult game. Athletic are playing very well and San Mames is not an easy place to go.
“Barcelona lost their visit there.
“For us it’s a good time to play the game. We have a lot of confidence, desire and enthusiasm to do the utmost to win.”
Ancelotti concluded the Press conference by thanking his Espanyol counterpart, Javier Aguirre, for some complimentary words.
“When the opposing Coach congratulates you, thank the team.
“The work we are doing, especially the physical work, is good.
“In this team we have a good example of professionalism.”
