Ancelotti: ‘The team played very well in the second half’

‘As soon as the game opened up a bit, you could see the quality that we have up front,’ said the coach.

Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at the National Stadium in Warsaw, where Real Madrid faced Atalanta in the European Super Cup final. The coach said: ‘I’m very happy. It’s an honour and a privilege to coach this team and we did well today. It was a difficult game in the first half because Atalanta played very well. They were very strong in the duels and we had difficulties. But as soon as the game opened up a bit, you could see the quality we have up front.’
‘Mbappé has incredible quality. He worked well, combining with his team-mates and working hard in defence. The team didn’t play well in the first half, but they worked very well defensively and that was the important thing. When the spaces opened up, it was easier for us. All the attacking players like Bellingham, Vini and Rodrygo contributed. The team played very well in the second half.’
Gasperini
‘I congratulated him for the game they played. I told him that playing against Atalanta is like going to the dentist. They were very strong in the duels and, when they slowed down, we had more space and we were able to take the lead.’
2014 team vs 2024 team
‘I talked about it yesterday with the staff comparing the 2014 team but it’s very complicated. In 2014, the team was fantastic with Cristiano, Benzema and Bale; it was an exceptional forward line. What doesn’t change at this club is the quality of the team. We had it in 2014 and we have it again 10 years later.’
Midfield
‘Bellingham, Valverde and Tchouameni did a great job. It was a very different game, with a lot of duels and one on ones; it was difficult to look for superiority. We thought about playing more vertically, playing balls in behind. The first half didn’t go well, but afterwards we had a lot of space and more chances. All three played very well, especially defensively, and gave the team balance at the back.’
Team balance
‘The most difficult thing is to find a good balance with the quality we have up front. We hope to have a good season, we have a fantastic squad and we’re going to find that balance.’
Camavinga
‘I had doubts that he would play, but unfortunately he got injured. I hope he recovers quickly because he’s very important for us. He had the option to play, but he got injured and couldn’t play.’
Alaba
‘He’s progressing well, working on an individual level, the knee is responding well. We have to take it easy because it was a serious injury. We think he will start running in the next few days and hopefully he will be available soon.’