CarloAncelottispoke in the press room at San Mamés afterReal Madrid‘s victory overAthletic Club, on matchday one ofLaLiga: “We played well, especially in the first half, when we showed a lot of intensity. In the second half we slowed down and had less control, but we did well at the back.”
“It’s evident that when the team is collectively committed and has the right attitude, we are stronger defensively. The team was well positioned and strong in the duels. In the first half we won back a lot of balls. The team is comfortable playing this way and we worked really well defensively.”
Praise for Bellingham”He’s outstanding. He has plenty of personality and has adapted very quickly to the team’s system. It seems like he’s been with us for a long time and he’s a very talented player.”
Rodrygo”He possesses different characteristics toJoselu. He combined very well withValverdeandCarvajalon the right wing. He’s adapting to this system very well, as isVini Jr.They’re very young and they’re progressing nicely, but they need to continue with this progression. Hopefully Rodrygo can get more goals than he managed last season.”Militão’s ιɴjυɾу”He sprained his knee. It doesn’t look good and we will assess it in the next few hours. Hopefully it’s nothing serious. We’re concerned and we’re not ruling anything out.”
Lunin’s performance”He’s done really well. He was very calm and focused. He moved the ball well from the back and he was good with the high balls. He showed confidence and concentration.”
Kroos and Modrić”They’re part of a squad that has a lot of quality. I can’t say that they’re going to be substitutes. They’re very important players. I’ve chosen this line-up today, but I might change it next week.”
Kepa”He’s not aReal Madridplayer and I don’t talk about players who aren’tReal Madridplayers.”
