Real Madrid’s journey in the Copa del Rey begins tomorrow as they prepare to face off against Arandina in the Round of 32.
The Merengues have a hectic schedule coming up and thus a positive performance tomorrow could go a long way in establishing momentum.
Carlo Ancelotti, who was recently handed a two-year extension by the club, answered the media’s burning questions in the pre-match conference.
Real Madrid won last season’s edition with the team emerging victorious against Osasuna in the finals.
Reminding everyone that his men are currently the reigning champions, Ancelotti said: "We are the current title holders. We will try to win it again and do our best."
The clash is seen as a good opportunity to rest some of the regular starters, especially with injuries doing a number on Real Madrid this campaign.
Ancelotti affirmed some exclusions beforehand, stating: “ Kroos, Tchouaméni, and Vinicius will not play tomorrow.”
" Toni Kroos has some problems, he won’t travel tomorrow."
" Kroos has suffered a small problem in his ankle vs Mallorca but he will be available for the Supercopa in Saudi Arabia," Ancelotti clarified.
As for Tchouameni, Ancelotti explained that he simply needs rest: "Tchouaméni needs rest."
With regard to Vinicius’ recovery, he lauded his professionalism. "He’s a very serious person. He and the physios have done an incredible job," he professed.
Claiming everyone else will board the flight to the small city of Aranda del Duero, he stated: "All the players but Tchouaméni, Kroos, and Vinicius travel for the game and can play."
When asked to comment on Sergio Ramos, Ancelotti only had words of appraisal.
"I love him, I wish him the best. He’s a very serious professional," the manager remarked.
The Madrid back-line has faced a series of casualties so far, which has given rise to the possibility of Dani Carvajal starting as a center-half.
When questioned if the Spaniard would start as a center-back, Ancelotti shed some light on youth player Carrillo as well as the veteran Nacho, who are both capable of slotting in.
"He’s an option but there’s also Carrillo and Nacho," the 64-year-old stated.
Ferland Mendy was also brought up as Ancelotti claimed his participation tomorrow is ruled out, but he will be available in the Supercopa. He expressed: " Ferland Mendy will not play tomorrow. He’s back for the Supercopa."
After spending the entirety of the season recovering from injuries, Arda Guler’s long-awaited debut is finally in sight.
The Italian manager uplifted optimism by teasing that tomorrow may finally be the day the Turkish sensation dons the Royal White jersey, and may, in fact, feature in the XI. " Arda Güler has options to start tomorrow," he exclaimed.
Providing an update on Eduardo Camavinga who was seen training with the team today, Ancelotti said: " Camavinga is back tomorrow."
With Andriy Lunin establishing a starting spot in the lineup, tomorrow will be Kepa Arrizabalaga’s time to shine. "Kepa will play tomorrow," Ancelotti expressed.
The renovations of the Santiago Bernabeu were brought up, to which Ancelotti commented it would aid the players’ morale.
"Better atmosphere, it’s good for us. The players feel more motivated."
Praise for the Golden Boy winner then followed by Ancelotti labeling him as the creme de la creme. " Jude Bellingham is the best player in the world," he boldly remarked.
"I’ve won Copa del Rey two times. Both unforgettable. We’re 100% focused on this competition," the four-time Champions League winner added.