Ancelotti: "If it is a risk, Ramos will not play against Valencia"

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press on Saturday before his side’s trip to Valencia. He made it clear that no risks will be taken with Sergio Ramos, there will be rotations and he does not prioritise one competition over another.

On Sergio Ramos: “Sergio is fine. Today he needs to train with the team and then we will make the decision. We won’t take any risks. We will see in training and then take the decision.”

Ramos said that he played with an injury in the final of the Club World Cup. Was it forced? “No. Together we decided to evaluate things in training and then take the decision. It is a different decision because that was the final of the Club World Cup but now is not the time to risk things. If it is a risk, Ramos will not play.”

The match: “Valencia have done very well in the last stretch. They have changed their style compared to last season. They are stronger and more dangerous than last year. The match will be very difficult.”

Does the trip to the Calderón [in the cup next Wednesday] condition how you will line up? “We have a priority and the priority is tomorrow’s match and we will play with the best team possible. It is not the right time to take chances with injuries, we will play those who will not be risking injuries.”

Madrid will play ten games in 32 days if you defeat Atlético. Will you make rotations? “We will need to make some rotations throughout the month to avoid injuries and have a motivated squad. We need all the players, everyone will play. We will not give more importance to the Copa del Rey, we will compete well in all competitions.”

The defence: “James has more characteristics to work well defensively than Isco. The mentality of the players to work hard defensively is very important. Without sacrifice and without struggle it is more difficult.”

The defeat against Milan: “It will not influence things because it was a friendly match to prepare for this game. The work before the Milan match was to prepare and be fine physically for Valencia. The defeat will not make things tougher for us.”

You said that if Jesé had been fit at the end of last season you would have won the league...he was instrumental at the Mestalla last season: “Yes, I said it because we lacked a player like him with that quality, he did very well when he played. Now he has fully recovered. He has gone ten months without playing and he must adjust. He will be useful for us this season.”

The qualities of Valencia: “Valencia have proved to be a dangerous team because they are solid defensively, especially after the arrival of Otamendi, and also have dangerous players like Negredo. They have played well in the last stretch [before the winter break] and they will be a dangerous team.”

from Últimas noticias | Diario AS http://ift.tt/1EZN04j

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