Carlo Ancelotti has pointed to the returns of Luka Modric and James Rodriguez as reasons Real Madrid’s form has improved.
Ancelotti conducted a lengthy radio interview with Tiempo Extra, discussing Iker Casillas, his future and how he is juggling the League and Champions League.
A number of members of the Real Madrid squad were also topics of conversation, starting with Raphael Varane, who came in for Pepe in the European derby with Atletico Madrid in midweek.
“Varane was doing well physically and Pepe wasn’t 100%,” Ancelotti revealed, AS reports.
“It might change when Pepe is at his best. Rafa did well. He was attentive and concentrated.
“He did something special with that run down the wing and the cross, but defensively he was very good.
“It’s true that the recovery of James and Modric has given us confidence. The slump in February is forgotten because the team is fresh.
“There is different motivation at Camp Nou or Vicente Calderon, but it’s impossible that all players are 100% all the time.
“With Modric, everything is easier because he has confidence, personality. He’s becoming really important.
“His biggest quality is the penetration with the ball. He disrupts the opponent very quickly.
“Major absentees coincided – Pepe, Sergio Ramos, Modric, Marcelo and James.
“Sami Khedira? He’s still a Madrid player. He’s one more piece for me. He hasn’t played much but I appreciate his professionalism in training. If I need him, he’s useful for the team.
“There has to be sacrifice and altruism. If there isn’t, the team cannot succeed, especially with this type of players.
“James has returned very well from his injury, in ideal condition. That’s why I have preferred him [over Isco], but Isco has his place in the squad.
“They have shown they can play together. They’ve done well.
“Lucas Silva is a Madrid player but he needs to adapt, because he comes from South America. I’ve seen great players with adjustment problems.”
Ancelotti moved to talk about the Madrid forwards, the BBC of Karim Benzema, Gareth Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, as well as Jese.
“Jese was angry. I was also angered when the Coach only gave me 10 minutes,” Ancelotti remarked.
“The Coach decides for the team. I’m here for Madrid, not Jese or Ronaldo or Casillas. You can make three changes. If a player isn’t right, to change the system or because someone is tired.
“When you’re winning 2-0 the match isn’t finished. Anything can happen. I conceded three goals in six minutes in a Champions League final. Bayern lost another two.
“In general, the BBC are so important we always need them. A player may be useful for five or 10 minutes, or for 30 seconds.
“It’s not up to me [if Ronaldo talks to the Press]. The club chooses who speaks at each Press conference. Where he has to talk is on the pitch.”
Ancelotti concluded by touching on two more players – one at his old club, Paris Saint-Germain, and another who will move to Madrid for next season, and was also asked about a potential future job.
“I like [Marco] Verratti a lot. I haven’t tried signing him. He’s untouchable at PSG. He’s not for sale, but for me he is the best Italian footballer at the moment.
“Danilo will increase the competitiveness [at right-back], with Dani Carvajal and Alvaro Arbeloa.
“Coach Spain? Why not? Now it would be easier to train Spain than Italy. I have a very good relationship with Vicente del Bosque. We haven’t had physical problems with the Spanish players.”
