Carlo Ancelotti believes Real Madrid are in for a difficult game against Athletic Bilbao on Sunday.
Madrid go to San Mames without Gareth Bale and the Coach, speaking at his pre-match Press conference, did not reveal who would start in place of the Wales international.
“I’ll put [Angel] Di Maria there, or Jese. We’ll see,” he said.
“Jese’s place in the team is very clear and he has nothing to prove. We’re all very happy with what he’s doing.”
On Athletic, Ancelotti added he was asking his players to give even more than usual to counter the San Mames factor.
“Athletic are a great team, very dangerous and with very dynamic football.
“[Ernesto] Valverde is doing a fantastic job.
“To win at San Mames you have to give more than 100%.
“It is a very difficult game and a good test for the League.
“We have a period of important matches now. January was a good month and if we are able to repeat it in February we can have a big future.”
Ancelotti also offered his condolences on the passing of Luis Aragones, comparing the Euro 2008 winner to Arrigo Sacchi or the Ajax team of the 1970s as one of football’s pioneers.
