Ancelotti after the defeat against Barcelona: “I am not crazy… We faced them without the best player in the world”

Carlo Ancelotti gave a positive reading of the Clasico. The Italian coach believes he has a better squad than last year and has announced Benzema’s position to participate in next Tuesday’s match.

Match analysis: “Good match, good contact, especially the first half. I tried to put the new players in the squad so that they adapt to the way the team plays. It was an even match. I tried to give everyone minutes because of their physical condition. I liked the match against a very strong opponent.”

Start of play: “We struggled a little bit defensively at the beginning. Obviously when you bring in Casemiro, Kroos, Modric it is easier, but I wanted to let the young people participate. They played very well defensively, it’s the first time they’ve played together.”

Rudiger: “I liked him a lot at left-back. I’m not crazy and I know he’s not his center, but he’s very smart. He can play in that position or switch places with Alaba.”

Hazard: “He can play in many positions and he also has to adapt to his new position, the ‘false striker’. He needs minutes to improve his condition.”

Asensio and Ceballos: “They don’t bother me. The competition has increased, but they are two players who do well. Staying or leaving is their decision.”

The team: “The list is tight and we have a lot of players. We have a better team than last season, and the intensity of training has improved.”

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Benzema: “He will play 45 minutes against Club America, where I will test the team that will play in the European Super Cup. Our team missed the best player in the world against Barcelona and there is no one in the world who can replace Karim.”

Alaba: “He will play at left-back only when necessary. I don’t want to dismantle last season’s double, which was successful.”

source: marca