Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at the Lusail stadium and analysed the Intercontinental Cup final against Pachuca, in which Real Madrid were crowned world champions for the ninth time and the Italian became the most successful coach in the history of our club:

"It's been a fantastic year. We've had many complications along the way as we still do, such as the injuries to Courtois, Militão and Carvajal... We have finished the year very well and that gives us the confidence and motivation to try to continue to have very good results in 2025."

"The history, the tradition of the club and the quality of the players we have mean that we have to try to win every competition we play. That's our objective: to try to compete. We have had the luck, the commitment and the strength to win so many titles in 2024. That gives us the confidence to continue to compete in 2025."

The team’s improvement
“We’ve got Rodrygo and Camavinga back and Alaba's return isn’t far off. The squad is more complete now and we’re gradually coming out of this rough patch. We’re always a threat up top and if we’re able to move the ball out from the back properly, we’re a really dangerous outfit.”

“We’ve got another game to prepare for on the 22nd. After the defeat in Milan, the team have reacted well and shown great commitment. We’ve got back to doing the right things and we’re still alive. That fills us with confidence for 2025. I’ve been a bit more nervous than normal because I didn’t like what I saw from the team. I’ll be back to normal in 2025.”

The most decorated coach in the club’s history 
"It’s an honour. It’s the club every coach wants to be at because it’s the best in the world. Winning titles at Real Madrid is easier than winning them anywhere else. It’s a fantastic club, with a squad full of the best players in the world and wonderful fans. It’s never easy to win trophies but being here makes it easier.”

“I couldn’t pick one trophy. It’s tough to choose, but La Décima was incredibly special for me and for Real Madrid. Since my return to the club, I’d go with the Champions League win in Paris, that was special too. If I had to choose, I’d say those two.”

His Real Madrid return
“I didn’t imagine it would happen, I never thought I could come back. I made a call to see if I could sign someone from Real Madrid and they fell into the trap.”

How do you plan to celebrate the title?
“We haven’t celebrated yet. We’ll rest on the flight back and then we’ll be with our families.”

Vini Jr., set to miss Sevilla clash through suspension
“He’s back with us, he’ll train until Friday and then he’ll head off on holiday on Saturday until the 30th of December. We don’t have long to prepare for the Valencia game, so we’ll all be back in training on the 30th.”