Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media for the first time on Wednesday after signing a deal to return as Real Madrid’s manager until 2024.
Here is what he had to say…
On his return
“I think we are going to repeat something good in this new experience and challenge. I know what it means to coach Real Madrid, but I do it with great pleasure and happiness. I will do my best.”
“When they asked me [to return], I had zero doubts.”
On the current squad
“I have a very good squad with experienced players and a group of players with a lot of quality. Gareth Bale, Toni Kroos, Luka Modric, Karim Benzema, Sergio Ramos, Rodrygo, Vinicius, Fede Valverde …
“Benzema is a top striker and has made a lot of progress. I have a lot of hope in many young players, the objective is to score goals …
“I have a lot of love for Bale, Marcelo, Isco, but they will be judged on the pitch. They have to train well and prove that they want to play for Real Madrid…
“It’s a big, big squad right now. We have to reduce it a little bit. We’ll see what we will do.”
On Zinedine Zidane
“What can I say about Zidane? He’s won three Champions League titles in a blink of an eye. He’s done an incredible job until the last day. He went, he came back and did everything well.”
“But, this is football. Managers come and go. He had a great time here and what he did here was incredible. I haven’t spoken to him, but it was all very quick. Of course, I’ll speak to him.”
On Eden Hazard
“Hazard is a top, top player. He’s had a big injury, some difficulties. I don’t think he’s fulfilled his potential but I think he is going to do it because he is motivated to do so.”
On Ramos’ contract
“I just only arrived and I have to talk to the club about it. We will do it in the next few days…”
“Of course Sergio Ramos is a very important player for Real Madrid. He’s been fundamental for the success this club has had. We will speak to the player … I don’t know the details but when I know the details, I can speak better on this.”
Goals for next season
“To win LaLiga, Champions League and Copa del Rey, those are the objectives.”
“[We will] play well, make football more intense, more aggressive, more organized … football has to be offensive and spectacular because that is what the history of Madrid and the fans demand.”
