Ancelotti: “We played better, with a nicer pace and creating more chances"
2 month(s)
Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press in the media room at the Santiago Bernabéu to discuss Real Madrid's win over Espanyol on LaLiga matchday six: “It was a good game. We started really strongly and then reacted well to Espanyol's goal. It was a complete performance and we played much better, with a nicer pace and creating more chances. I'm really pleased. We had a lot of the ball in the first half because the opposition defence was sitting so deep. We did a good job. The second half was really good for us because the game opened up and became a bit of a rock and roll clash."
"We played much quicker up top, moving the ball faster and being smarter off it. We don't have a centre-forward who holds his position but Rodrygo got in there really well for the second goal, just like Bellingham often does. Being mobile is a big weapon. The third goal was fantastic too. These are resources we must have. We won the ball back really well and pressed pretty well whenever we lost it. We created a lot of chances and we're happy. We're gradually approaching our best."
Reaction to the visitors' goal
“There is something we need to be aware of, and that's the fact we've scored just one goal in the first half. We've gone 38 games unbeaten in LaLiga and that's a fantastic statistic that underlines how well this team have played, are playing and will continue to play.”
Carvajal and Bellingham
“Carvajal took a knock. It was a kick, nothing too serious. Bellingham has problems with his shoulder, they sorted him out and he was able to play without any issue. It doesn't look too worrying but we'll have to see how his shoulder responds tomorrow. He's always been playing with protection but he's stopped using it this season. The problem has resurfaced but he didn't ask to come off and I don't think it's a big thing. He'll have to look after himself but I think he'll be available for the next game."
Modrić's performance
“He's always a guarantee for me, whether he starts the game or comes on with 70 on the clock. How many times has he changed the game. He plays at his very best in every minute on the pitch."
Tchouameni at centre-back
“He can play there. He has the build of a centre-back and the ability to read the game. Despite this, he's still a wonderful defensive midfielder."
Endrick
“He's training really well, he has such quality, but Rodrygo, Mbappé and Vini Jr. are all here. He'll have to be patient."
Yellow cards for dissent
“There were three yellow cards for dissent and the referees have changed their approach, they're cracking down on it. We'll have to get used to it."
The system
“It was a 4-3-3 to press Espanyol's back three. Bellingham's position changes a bit, but without the ball it was a 4-3-3”.