Not many coaches explain the decisions they take during games, but Carlo Ancelotti is not one of them. Several of the Italian tactician’s remarks after Real Madrid matches offer educative explanations to fans, players and press.
Following Real Madrid‘s recent wins, Ancelotti broke down the reasons behind some of the decisions that may have been questioned. He also explained in his own way which are the main virtues that some of his players possess.
Fresh legs and control of the game
Eduardo Camavinga and Rodrygo came off the bench to inspire Real Madrid to a 2-1 comeback win against Valencia and Ancelotti revealed why he decided to bring on both youngsters in the last minutes of the game.
“We didn’t defended well and weren’t aggressive, always [moving] back, back, back,” Ancelotti explained.
“When this happens, they can have a cross and score.
“Valencia were very tired. So, I sent fresh legs onto the pitch and we gained control of the game.”
Changes in victory against Inter
In the Champions League duel against Inter in Italy, Ancelotti sent Eden Hazard to warm up and also sent Isco to tell Camavinga to return to the bench. Then, he decided against sending on Hazard or Isco and ended up betting on Camavinga and Rodrygo.
“I thought about bringing on Hazard in the second half, but when Inter packed out the centre so much I decided to bring on players to use down the flanks, like Rodrygo and Vinicius,” he said.
Ancelotti‘s move paid dividends as Rodrygo netted a winner late in the game to give Real Madrid all three points.
Rodrygo’s playing time
The Brazilian forward, who has not enjoyed much playing time so far this season, took to the Stadio Giuseppe Meazza pitch with 25 minutes to go.
When asked by the press what he told his player before he stepped onto the pitch, Ancelotti revealed his wise words to Rodrygo.
“It is not important how many minutes he is going to play, but how he is going to play them,” Ancelotti noted.
Nacho’s defending style
Ancelotti shared his opinion about the two types of defenders that a coach can find at a team and labelled Nacho as a pessimistic centre-back.
“He is a player who has the ability to be focused for 90 minutes,” Ancelotti declared.
“I always say that there are two types of defenders: the pessimists and the optimists. And he is a pessimistic defender, because he always thinks that bad things can happen and that is why he is always focused for 90 minutes.”
Vinicius’ touches
The Italian coach also revealed his advice for Vinicius, who has gotten off to a great start to the 2021/22 campaign, as he has already scored five goals in five LaLiga Santander games.
“I have told him that to score goals he has to do it with a touch or two,” Ancelotti revealed.
“It is difficult to score with four or five touches.”
