Carlo Ancelotti Prepares for Key King’s Cup Clash with Leganés
Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, is gearing up for tomorrow’s quarter-final clash against Leganés in the Spanish King’s Cup. In a recent press conference, he emphasized the importance of the match and the club’s goal to advance to the next stage of the tournament.
“The cup has brought us great joy recently, and we need to prepare well to reach the next stage,” Ancelotti said.
Concerns Over Player Safety and Refereeing Decisions
Ancelotti also voiced concerns regarding player safety after a controversial incident involving Kylian Mbappé. The French forward was hit with a dangerous challenge from Espanyol’s Carlos Romero in a recent loss (1-0). Ancelotti expressed anger over the lack of action taken by referees to protect players.
“When we speak about player safety, we expect clarity and explanations. What happened with Mbappé was incomprehensible,” Ancelotti said. The club has filed an official complaint against the refereeing, seeking an investigation from both the Spanish Football Federation and the Supreme Sports Council.
Real Madrid’s Injury Woes and Tactical Adjustments
In addition to the concerns over officiating, Ancelotti discussed the ongoing injury problems affecting key players. Both David Alaba and Antonio Rudiger have been sidelined, forcing Ancelotti to adjust his tactical approach.
“Unfortunately, we have lost important players. Alaba was ready to play, but unforeseen injuries have changed our plans,” he explained.
Tactical Adjustments: Who Will Play in Defense?
Ancelotti was asked about the possibility of playing Federico Valverde as a central defender. However, the coach ruled out this option, stating Valverde might play as a full-back instead. He highlighted the versatility of Aurelien Tchouameni, who could fill in defensively.
“Tchouameni has shown a good understanding of tactics and positioning, though he’s not used to playing in defense,” Ancelotti said.
Reflections on Cristiano Ronaldo’s Legacy and the Challenges Ahead
When asked about his thoughts on Cristiano Ronaldo’s legacy, Ancelotti did not hold back. He referred to Ronaldo as one of the greatest players in history, praising his impact on both Real Madrid and his career.
“Cristiano truly defined an era, and in my view, he is the greatest. His presence made my time on the Real Madrid bench much easier,” Ancelotti said.
Ancelotti also addressed concerns over Jude Bellingham’s injury, confirming that the young midfielder would miss the upcoming match against Leganés but Vinicius Jr. would be available.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to Refereeing Standards and Tactical Flexibility
Carlo Ancelotti reflected on the varying standards of refereeing across major leagues, mentioning that in England, referees often face less pressure, which allows them to perform better.
While expressing frustration over current officiating, he remains focused on adapting to the circumstances and managing injuries.
“I have to think about how to deal with the players we have available. The young players have the opportunity to step up and show their quality,” he said.
Ancelotti’s Vision: Dealing with Challenges
As the King’s Cup quarter-final approaches, Ancelotti is determined to navigate the difficult circumstances. He acknowledged that with the absence of key players like Rudiger, it would be critical to rely on set pieces and ensure defensive solidity against Leganés, a team that has proven difficult to break down in recent matches.
“Leganés is a team that defends well and has achieved great results against top sides like Barcelona and Atlético. We must be prepared,” Ancelotti concluded.
A Crucial Moment for Real Madrid in the King’s Cup
With Real Madrid facing a challenging period due to injuries and refereeing controversies, Carlo Ancelotti’s leadership and tactical decisions will be key in determining how the team fares in the King’s Cup quarter-final against Leganés.
