Conversation with Vini Jr. coming out of the dressing room
“We came out of the video shoot and some of them were combing their hair, even putting some cologne on. We had to speed up a little bit and it was just a funny anecdote, nothing more.”
Ancelotti in the stands against Levante
“I've got a bone to pick with him. He didn't come down and say hello. I hope he comes in this morning and sees his players, myself included. For me, it was a privilege to be coached by the manager with the most titles in Real Madrid's history, the one with the most Champions Leagues, and the only one to have won all five major leagues. I'd really like to see him and give him a big hug.”
The quality of the squad
“This badge always demands effort, that’s what I ask of my players. I said it after last Wednesday’s match. I’ve seen lads with an exceptional attitude, pressing, tracking back when necessary, sticking together, battling hard… I have no doubt that effort is paramount and the players know it. We’re going to try to be a team that gives its all, aware of each player's characteristics. Nobody holds off on the effort at Real Madrid, that's a given.”
The climate with the fans
“I know what the Bernabéu crowd is like because I've been part of it, and I've told the players that. They are fair. Now it's up to us to turn those boos into applause. Let them see the effort we're putting in. We're working on it, and we know they'll get behind us. We have no doubt about it. The team is really looking forward to getting to the Bernabéu tomorrow and playing in front of their fans.”
Focused on the next opponent
“I'm the Real Madrid coach, and I'm totally focused on the Monaco match, on the opponent we have in front of us. That's what occupies my time and my team's time, preparing to put in a good performance, improving, and making sure the players understand a little better what I'm asking of them each day.”
Could you leave Vini Jr. out?
“Perhaps I haven't been perfectly clear. Vini Jr. will be on the pitch as long as he’s available and performing at his best. He’s an extraordinary, fantastic player, and I want him to have the ball at his feet as much as possible because he’s so unpredictable. If I want to have a chance at winning titles, I need Vinicius on the pitch, not off it.”