Real Madrid’s goal this season remains to win every possible trophy, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti, despite the team sitting eight points behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s derby against Atletico Madrid, Ancelotti acknowledged that things could be better but is confident of pushing Madrid’s Clasico rivals all the way in the remaining 16 league games.
“We’re going to try to win every competition. We’re second in the league, so that won’t be easy,” he said.
“No, I am not happy with the season [so far].”
He added, “I would rather be eight points clear and have won the Supercopa de Espana, and a 5-0 result at Anfield would have been better than 5-2, but still, we’re doing very well… Hopefully we can recover those lost points [in the league].”
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Ancelotti praised Vinicius Junior, who scored twice in their recent match against Liverpool and has been in excellent form.
“He works hard, looks after himself, and it is so important that he can keep playing at this level and avoid injuries,” Ancelotti said.
“What Vinicius shows on the field is what he always tries in training. He has improved a lot in his finishing because he has trained a lot. After training, Vinicius spends 10 to 15 minutes to improve his shooting. The challenge ahead is continuity. Trying for 90 minutes, that’s what’s difficult.”
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The coach also revealed that midfield pair Aurelien Tchouameni and Toni Kroos will be available again after illness, while Nacho will start at left-back against Atletico amid uncertainty around his long-term future at the club.
“I see Nacho every day, and there has been a time when he was not happy. He has not complained to me, and he has continued to suffer the period that he has not played. He has been a professional, and at the moment I always needed him, he has complied,” Ancelotti said.
“I have a weakness which is that [I have to make sure] Madrid is happy… and that only happens if we win. I feel sorry for my players because I am very fond of them. I just want Real Madrid to be satisfied.“
