Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the clash with Valencia on LaLiga matchday 27 at Mestalla (Saturday, 9:00pm CET). The coach explained: “The closer we get to the end of the season, the more important the games become. Real Madrid have always struggled at Mestalla because it's a tough place to go against opposition enjoying a good run. Of course, we'll have to be at our best. The team has trained well and Carvajal, Camavinga, Joselu and Bellingham will all be back. We want to deliver a positive display. The key moments in the season come in March and April and confidence is high.”
“The plan tomorrow is to play a great football match and I'm sure Valencia are thinking the same. That's what the fans and players want ahead of the game, an entertaining spectacle. We must not forget what happened last year because when racist conduct occurs, we must condemn it and identify those responsible. Valencia did a good job because they identified those who committed the crime, because racism is a crime. That is what we all have to do, the whole football family, we shouldn't need this kind of thing when something happens."

Remembering the victims of the Valencia fire
“We're going to play in a city that has recently suffered a tragedy. It's very difficult to forget that. We express our utmost solidarity with the families affected and that's why we have to put on the best show possible and I'm sure Valencia feel the same."

Bellingham's recovery
“He's at 100%. He hasn't trained too much with the team but he's done all he needs to on an individual basis. He's in good shape, optimum physical condition and he's comfortable with his ankle. He's up for it and will play tomorrow."

On Vini Jr.
“We haven't approached it in any particular way. He's prepared to put in the best performance he can, as always. He loves playing football and doing all he can to be at his best. All we've thought about this week is how to cause Valencia problems. They're a well-organised unit and have lots of young talent."
“I've seen him progress significantly on a continuous basis over the last three seasons. He's been able to add consistency, goals and assists to the quality we all knew he had and he's even more important to the team. He's humble too and the sky really is the limit for him. He can continue to progress because his best attribute is how much he enjoys playing football."

Expectations within the squad
“What we've managed so far, considering the injuries we've had, is significant. The team has never let their heads drop despite the difficulties. Our confidence is sky high because we feel like Militão and Courtois are close to making their comebacks. If we continue on this run, it could be a very positive season."

Is it the toughest remaining away trip?
“It's one of the biggest. But all are important, including the 3 points against Sevilla. Picking up points at this stage of the season is hugely important. Every team needs the points to fight for top spot, the Champions League places or against relegation." 

Lucas Vázquez's contract renewal
“We haven't discussed it yet. We are aware we've got players whose contracts are running out and the time will come to speak about it. He's having an outstanding season, whenever he's played he's done a brilliant job."

The full-backs
“We have two who we trust in immensely. One is Fran García, who came in this year and played a lot early in the season, with great success. Now Mendy is back and he's an experienced player. We're in good shape for now."

Courtois and Militão
“We still don't have a date in mind but we'll take advantage of the international break and the Copa del Rey final weekend, because they will start to come back to training with the team. I think following the 14th of April, after the Mallorca game, they could be available to play."

The Realmadrid TV videos
“We haven't discussed it in the dressing room. Freedom of expression is sacred in the media and for me as well. I don't have anything more to say."

Line-up
“We have options. Picking a starting eleven, especially tomorrow, is always tough. There are several players who are contributing very well and deserve to play. I haven't had too many difficult decisions to make up until now because we've always had so many injuries."

Message for Valencia fans
“I hope they enjoy some wonderful football. Of course, the conflict I have is that I hope they're a beat disappointed at the end of the game because Real Madrid have won. That's part of sport. I'm sure they'll enjoy a fantastic game tomorrow."

Arda Güler
“It depends on the circumstances. A young player like him needs to play in order to make progress. That's difficult at times with the demands of this team and the club, so that's why I think we need to be patient. I understand that having game time is important to his progression but sometimes it's not appropriate given the demands of the game. I have immense faith in him, he's incredibly talented and I'd like to give our fans the chance to see him. His time will come."

Target man up top
“It depends a lot on the game and how you approach it. You could do with a target man if the game is very tight or you want to whip balls into the box. In that sense, Bellingham is a fantastic reference point up top because he gets into the box so well. He brings us a different set of attacking attributes."

Has there been progress in eradicating racism in Spain?
“I think so. Valencia acted decisively, in the way everyone who loves sport and society in general must act whenever someone commits a crime, whether that's racism, violence… We have to act, and Valencia Club de Fútbol acted in the best way possible in this regard."