Carlo Ancelotti gave an extensive interview this evening on Spanish national radio reviewing the situation at Real Madrid after the international break. A break that has seen Luka Modric return with an injury which is expected to keep the Croatian out for three months. A problem that Ancelotti intends to solve by using Isco to accompany Kroos in midfield.
What is your plan to cover the absence of Modric?
The idea is pretty straight forward; we have an array of players to cover these type of situations. Last year we faced a similar problem with Khedira’s injury. We’ll resolve the problem using another midfielder. Khedira, Illarramendi and of course we can play Isco in that position although he’s not used to that role, but it’s an alternative we can look at for certain games.
If Isco drops to the area of the pitch where Kroos is, it will affect that double pivot set-up…
That’s the question.Isco is not used to playing as a defensive midfielder. It’s mainly a defensive problem. I don’t see it affecting our possession of the ball. We have more quality with him. We’ll need to try things out although we have little time to do so. We’ll test it out and am confident that it will come off.
Bale, Benzema and Cristiano remain upfront
That’s pretty clear. If the front three are in decent shape, they’ll play as they have and will continue to provide quality for the whole team.
How is Illarra?
He’s still not 100%. He’s still recovering from the injury in his abductor and is not yet match-fit. That leaves me with the option of Isco or Khedira.
How is Modric?
He’s badly injured and is a bit miserable at present. He needs to focus on getting fit. These are things that happen in football. He’s a hugely key player for us and we’ll get him fit again.
Have you managed to achieve that spectacular football that you promised?
At the moment, I’d say we are close to achieving it. We’ve worked hard. I’ve looked to generate a good atmosphere in the club. The players are great and the club has everything under control. We have a demanding set of fans, but that's a help. We’re playing really and I’m not afraid to say that. We do need to keep it going however, as every game is a new test.
Are you favorites to retain the Champions League trophy?
We’ll battle hard to try and hold onto the trophy. It was hard last year and will be even harder this year as no club has retained this trophy.
Do you see Bayern as a threat?
More or less. Their style hasn’t altered. Mourinho’s Chelsea have an improved squad. Well I should say, Abramovich’s Chelsea.
Cristiano has said he wants to remain at the club and Messi said he wants to win everything and then contemplate his future.
These are specific moments in a professional career. A few years ago they were saying the same about Cristiano and now that’s changed, These things can change easily.
How long do you plan to stay at Real Madrid? Your contract expires in 2016. When do you plan to re-sign?
Soon I hope. To find a better club than this one is complicated. I am keen to re-sign, but there is plenty of time ahead.
Requests for the winter transfer market?
No, there are no plans to make any signings. We could replace Modric, but we have the young lad, Medrán who is playing really well for Castilla. It could be an option.
Have you contemplated in using Bale as a left-back for Madrid?
No, never.. He has played well there in the past, but his identity as a player has changed. He’s now more of an attacking player. He wants to play up-front and we do too. Anyhow we have some decent left backs already at the club.
How do you view the Spanish sports press in comparison to the English or Italian counterparts?
The Spanish and Italian style’s are similar, the approach football with a tactical perspective. The English focus more on the personal profile of the players away from the pitch.
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