Carlo Ancelotti spoke in the press room at Real Madrid City to discuss the Celta-Real Madrid matchday 10 clash in LaLiga (Saturday, 9 pm CEST): “We've been working hard during this break and many players have used it to boost their physical condition. We're feeling very good, not only for tomorrow's game against a team that is doing well and has taken a lot of points. I think the players are more motivated and in better physical condition.”

“I have much more faith in the team than I did a month ago. I can see the players are more motivated and in better shape. We can produce a better version of ourselves than in recent times. This is an important moment in the season, coming up against very strong teams in the Champions League and the league, and I think we're feeling good, and I hope we can show that on the pitch.”

Carvajal’s recovery
“We feel sorry for him. He's a very important figure and for the next few months we have lost him as a player, but not as a leader in the dressing room. He'll be here and he'll be working with us. We're going to use his head, which is just as important as his physical strength.”

Mbappé
“He's used the break to work on his fitness and recover from his injury. He's happy and eager to play and to play an important role. These 15 days have helped him a lot because he's a different player to before the break. I think he is close to 100%. He's doing very well and it's a pleasure to watch him train. On a tactical level, his position doesn't change. He can switch with Vini Jr. on the left wing, but we've focused on fitness work. He's looking very good and this break has been very good for him.”

“I'm not here to talk about speculation. I just focus on his work. It's been very good for him and he's had his scheduled days off. I don't listen to external speculation. The player isn't affected at all. The rest days were scheduled for him and everyone chooses what he wants to do. I went to London for two days and I didn't ask anyone for permission. I don't have a travel agency to organise trips for the players.”

Game at Balaídos will be his 200th in LaLiga with Real Madrid
“There have been many good and some not-so-good moments with Real Madrid. I didn't know I was reaching 200 and the aim is to accumulate as many games as possible. I want to reach 300. Hopefully, I'll get there.”

Player rotations
“We have to assess the recovery of the players who have come to the end: Rodygo and Valverde. We'll make a decision tomorrow. The others are fine.”

Lucas Vázquez
“One of his best qualities is his physical strength and his ability to run hard. He's very active and dynamic. He will have no trouble playing in the games I play him in. We have full confidence in him because he's done very well every time I've fielded him.”

Winter reinforcements
“I haven't asked the club for reinforcements. Last year we handled the injuries we had well and we're going to do the same this season. If we need a certain player for Real Madrid , we won't rule out signing him, but it's not that simple. We have home-grown players who can contribute.
Also, Alaba will be back, he'll soon be working with the team and he's recovering well. We're not thinking of making any signings. Apart from Lucas, Militão can also play at right-back.”

Youth team players in right-back role
“Loren, Fortea and Jacobo. There is a daily assessment of youth players who can help us.”

Vini Jr.
“This break has been very good for him because he's taken advantage of it like the others to get some hard, intense work and rest days, which I think he's enjoyed. Those are my feelings, but it's what happens on the pitch and we'll see tomorrow. My feeling is that he's fine, like Mbappé.”

On Tuchel being named England boss
“There was nothing with the England team. They have chosen a very good and tactically very solid coach. I wish him all the best.”