Real Madrid Coach Carlo Ancelotti Vows to Keep Fighting Despite 11-Point Gap with Barca
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has promised to keep fighting until the end of the season, despite his team trailing FC Barcelona by 11 points in the LaLiga standings. Speaking ahead of their weekend clash against Celta Vigo, Ancelotti said he was focused on delivering solid performances and keeping his players in good physical condition ahead of the Copa del Rey final.
Ancelotti on Squad Rotation and Resting Players
When asked about resting players, Ancelotti explained that squad rotation depended on ensuring that as many players as possible were in good physical condition for the run-in. He also noted that he needed to give players game time to keep them fit. Currently, he has two players, Alaba and Mendy, out through injury, and there is a doubt as to who will play left-back against Celta.
Real Madrid Possible Lineup Against Celta
The game against Celta Vigo could offer a perfect occasion for Camavinga to rest, but the lack of cover could see the French international employed as one of a three-man backline. Everything points to Militao and Carvajal being rested, with Nacho and Lucas being called into action. In midfield, Tchouameni and Ceballos look set to start in central roles along with Fede Valverde. This would mean both Modric and Kroos would sit out the Celta game. In the forward line, Benzema, Vini Jr, and Rodrygo are poised to start, with Asensio a possible candidate to compete with the Brazilian who bagged a brace in London midweek.
Injury Doubts for Real Madrid
With Alaba and Mendy currently out through injury, Ancelotti may have to look to his other players to step up. There are doubts as to who will play in the left-back position against Celta, but the Italian coach has a number of options available to him. Nacho and Lucas could be called into action in defense, with Rdiger and Nacho playing at the heart of the backline.
Real Madrid’s Chances in LaLiga
Real Madrid’s chances of winning LaLiga this season look slim, with just nine games remaining and an 11-point gap to make up on leaders Barcelona. However, Ancelotti’s side will be hoping to finish the season strongly and deliver a solid performance in the Copa del Rey final. With key players injured and squad rotation necessary, the coming weeks will be a test of Real Madrid’s strength in depth and Ancelotti’s tactical ability.
Despite the challenges ahead, Ancelotti remains confident that his team will fight until the end. Real Madrid fans will be hoping that the Italian coach’s optimism is well-founded and that their team can end the season on a high note.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Who is Carlo Ancelotti and what is his background?
Carlo Ancelotti is an Italian football coach and former player. He has managed several top-tier clubs, including AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Bayern Munich, and Real Madrid. Ancelotti is known for his successful coaching career and for being one of only three managers to have won the UEFA Champions League three times as a coach. -
What is LaLiga and how does it work?
LaLiga is the top professional football league in Spain. It consists of 20 teams who play against each other twice in a season, once at home and once away, for a total of 38 games each. The team with the most points at the end of the season is crowned the champion, while the bottom three teams are relegated to the second division. -
Who are Celta Vigo and what is their performance in LaLiga this season?
RC Celta de Vigo, commonly known as Celta Vigo, is a Spanish professional football club based in Vigo, Galicia. They currently play in LaLiga and are placed 8th in the standings with 47 points from 32 games, with a record of 12 wins, 11 draws, and 9 losses. -
What is the Copa del Rey and when is the final taking place?
The Copa del Rey is a Spanish football cup competition, held annually since 1903. It involves teams from the top three tiers of Spanish football and is usually played between August and April of the following year. The final of the 2021-22 Copa del Rey is scheduled to take place on April 23, 2022, between Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao. -
Who are Alaba and Mendy, and what is the extent of their injuries?
David Alaba is an Austrian professional footballer who plays as a defender for Real Madrid. Ferland Mendy is a French professional footballer who also plays as a defender for Real Madrid. Both players are currently absent due to injuries, with