Ancelotti: “President Perez informed me of Real Madrid’s final decision on my future”
Carlo Ancelotti, coach of Real Madrid, appeared in the first press conference in La Liga following the stormy 4-0 defeat by Manchester City in the second leg of the Champions League semi-finals last Wednesday. Real Madrid will face Valencia tomorrow in the 35th round.
The Italian coach received many questions about his future with the team after the Manchester setback, in light of speculation that he would soon leave at the end of the season and take over the task of coaching the Brazil national team.
How do you see the team?
“We are ready, with everyone present. In these two days we have tried to regain our senses… Tomorrow there is an opportunity to do things well. We want to finish the season well, and give the place in these four matches. Valencia will put all his energy in, but we will be ready.”
Do you think hiring a striker is urgently needed? Can Benzema be a substitute?
“This is not the time to talk about next season. We’ve spoken with the club, but for now we’re just assessing what happened on Wednesday…and before. In these past two seasons we are already talking about the future, but it is not yet time, the Manchester game was very bad and we are hurt. Until then, it was a very good season, and the previous one is unforgettable.”
You said before that you are very “excited” about the offer from Brazil. Are you still interested? Did he close this door?
“Everyone knows very well what my situation is: the contract with Real Madrid is until 2024 and I want to continue.”
Do you understand that Benzema is in doubt about next season? Or is the criticism somewhat disproportionate?
“There is no point in doubting Benzema. He played a bad game, but not only him. He is still a legend in this club. The team wasn’t feeling well on Wednesday, just not Karim.”
Did you ask anything from President Peres?
“We had a meeting, where he expressed his support and affection. We talked yesterday, like every week. We keep hoping to move on and do things well.”
Did the club inform you that you will stay until the end of your contract in the summer of 2024?
“Yes”.
