Real Madrid can take another step towards lifting the La Liga title when they lock horns with Real Sociedad away at the Anoeta on Friday night.
Real Madrid have opened up an 11-point lead at the top of the table following their 3-2 win over FC Barcelona in the Clasico last Sunday.
Another win against Imanol Alguacil’s men could further seal their coronation as the champions of Spain. However, at the same time, Carlo Ancelotti will also have an eye on next week’s UEFA Champions League semi-finals against Bayern Munich.
As such, there may be some rotations made to the team tomorrow. Ancelotti spoke to the media earlier today and discussed that possibility, along with some other topics.
Kicking things off, the Italian tactician gave an insight into the Real Madrid squad’s mood heading into tomorrow’s match, saying:
"With all the excitement in the world, the objective is very clear. We are seven points away from winning La Liga and the objective is to do it as soon as possible. We will try to do our best to win."
"Until the mathematics don’t give us the league, we have to fight. The dynamic is very good, it’s important that we continue to compete. Win as much as possible. Winning is the best thing, that’s why we have to win tomorrow," he added.
After Ferland Mendy missed training on Wednesday, it was the turn of Jude Bellingham and Rodrygo to be absent due to illness. Providing an update on the trio’s condition, Ancelotti said:
" Bellingham had a stomach problem and Rodrygo had the flu, but they can still travel. Mendy won’t travel, he’s fine but I prefer him to stay and work for the Champions League."
Ancelotti also dropped a major hint that youngster Arda Guler could be in line for some minutes against Real Sociedad, saying:
"He’s fine, he’s been ready for a while, he hasn’t had chances, the games have been demanding. He deserved the minutes. He can play."
On whether Eder Militao can start tomorrow, Ancelotti was cryptic, saying: "He’s improved, he’s still not 100 per cent’. Maybe he is. And maybe not."
The Real Madrid boss also reserved some praise for Vinicius Jr., hailing his consistency, but suggesting there are improvements still to be made.
"One of the best characteristics he has is his continuity. He still has room for improvement near the box, in movements without the ball. He’s going to improve, he has the humility to improve," he remarked.
On whether he would give the Ballon d’Or to Bellingham or Vinicius, Ancelotti replied: “To both of them.”
Providing a major update on his goalkeeping options, Ancelotti added: "I have to think hard about the line-up. The wear and tear has been great. I have to think about things. Courtois is fine, I think he will be available next week. He could play against Cádiz."
Ancelotti also commented on his Barcelona counterpart, Xavi Hernandez, who will continue as their manager, saying:
"He has done a good job at Barça, he knows the club well, I think it’s the right decision."
When asked about what he thought of Joan Laporta’s call to replay the Clasico, Ancelotti gave a curt reply, saying: "It’s an opinion. I don’t comment on opinions."
On what he thought of the controversy surrounding Lamine Yamal’s disallowed goal from Sunday’s game, he added:
"It doesn’t bother me. We have such a good feeling right now that everything that’s going on around us doesn’t affect us at all. We have the illusion of finishing the season in a fantastic way. What’s going on around us is nothing."
Regarding Barcelona’s never-ending complaints, he said: "I have nothing to add, they are opinions, words are carried by the wind."