Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke after a resounding 5-0 victory over Alavés to agree with his rival coach Luis García Plaza about his belief that this Real Madrid side are a generational one.
"I think so," Ancelotti agreed. "This squad has a lot of talent, a lot of quality. Yes, I think they can define an era, given the value of the young players in the squad."
Ancelotti on Thibaut Courtois
"He’s progressing very well. We are convinced that on June 1st we will arrive in a good dynamic. It’s important to rest this week and prepare for the final the next two weeks."
Ancelotti on players whose contracts are expiring
"We are not worried. Until June 1st it is a secondary issue. We are thinking about winning the Champions League."
Ancelotti on Arda Güler
"It’s clear that we are very fond of the young players... the squad, the staff... he has a gift for scoring goals, because the ball is in love with Arda Güler."
Ancelotti on Jude Bellingham's midfield role
"It was my intention. We’ve been asking him to do that for a long time and he likes the role. He’s quite comfortable there. He’s been there for a long time and he’s helped us in that area."
Ancelotti on Dani Carvajal’s fitness
"Nothing, he got stamped on. To get a good dynamic, we need minutes for those who haven’t played. And I’m convinced that we’ll be at our best on June 1st."
Ancelotti on Andriy Lunin returning to the team
"The situation is clear. We have told him. In the two remaining matches, one will be played by Andriy and the other by Thibaut."
Ancelotti on Toni Kroos as a Ballon d’Or candidate
"Anything can happen, because there are competitions in the summer. Kroos goes with Germany who can win the European Championship. Why not? He can fight to win it."
Ancelotti on 20 clean sheets in La Liga
"It is a very significant fact that rewards the collective work. A big part of the success of this team is there."
Ancelotti on this being his best ever league season
"Yes, without a doubt, it’s my best Liga. We have won La Liga with merit. They’ve been waiting for us to slip up and we haven’t. Now we have to keep going."
Ancelotti on whether he’ll work during the three days off he’s given the team
"No. I’m going to rest like the players. Next week it’s going to be physical and the following week it’s going to be tactical work."
Ancelotti on the futures of Toni Kroos and Luka Modric
"These are individual situations. The club will evaluate it after the final."