Ancelotti: Madrid Derby Will Be a Football Feast; Real Madrid Can Fill Mbappe’s Absence

On Saturday, Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti attended the pre-match press conference for the upcoming La Liga match against Atletico Madrid.

Talking about the upcoming game, Ancelotti said: “Atletico has always been a strong opponent, and this will not change. This match is sure to be spectacular and competitive because both teams have extremely high levels of ability, making it a feast of football.”

Regarding the issue of receiving cards for complaining, he added: “Indeed, we have discussed this matter, and avoiding unnecessary complaints is key to solving the problem.”

When asked about Camavinga’s condition, Ancelotti replied: “He can play, so whether playing the full 90 minutes or not playing at all is something I am considering.”

About the impact of Mbappe’s absence, he said: “Although Mbappe’s inability to play does bring some changes, it doesn’t affect us much. We have the ability to fill this gap and adapt to playing without him.”

Regarding external criticism of Vinicius, Ancelotti stated: “Tomorrow’s match will be very exciting, and both sides will strive to show their best.”

Concerning Atletico’s dissatisfaction with the lack of preparation time, he expressed understanding: “I understand their position, as it is indeed difficult to reach optimal form when facing tight schedules.”

Talking about the team’s current situation, Ancelotti said: “Despite some minor mistakes in the last match, I believe the team has improved overall, becoming more united and efficient. Tomorrow’s match will be a significant test for us.”

About the uniqueness of this city derby, he said: “Every derby is special, especially seeing Atletico’s progress and the addition of new signings, they will undoubtedly become strong opponents in our fight for the league title with Barcelona.”

Regarding specific tactical arrangements, Ancelotti indicated: “Personally, I don’t focus too much on specific formations like 4-4-2 or 4-3-3. I am more concerned about the team’s overall performance and fighting spirit.”

Ancelotti emphasized: “Each match has its unique story. Predicting the outcome of the game is always difficult, but we have our strategies and hope to achieve them smoothly.”

Finally, regarding Vinicius’ potential to win the Ballon d’Or, Ancelotti said: “I think he deserves this honor, even if he doesn’t ultimately win, we will all support him and continue moving forward.”

About how to avoid repeating last year’s mistakes, Ancelotti pointed out: “We must learn from past experiences and ensure we do not repeat the same mistakes, which is very important for tomorrow’s match.”