Carlo Ancelotti spoke with the press after Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Lille on Wednesday. In this short press conference, Ancelotti acknowledged that Real Madrid was below par, with plenty left to learn henceforth: “The criticism today is entirely justified. I accept it. We were bad in all aspects. We showed a mediocre image, bad feelings. “The defeat to Atletico in January helped us to change; I hope it is also the same case now.
They were quite simply the better side. It was hard for us to even get into the game. We only had a few opportunities right there at the end, with crosses. The team was not good. Nothing to do but gather ourselves to learn from our defeats and rise. Occasionally losing is good. It is a long long season indeed….and we have to work hard to improve. It seemed as if we are doing so but today we step back slightly.”
“Yes. We were defensively very solid; however, we lost too many duels. The control was there during the first half, but we lost the duels, and hence it was hard for us to control and get into the game.”
What Ancelotti hoped to do with his changes
“Play a little more out wide, try to break the back line of four, but it has been quite difficult. We hardly created any clear chances; besides the one for Endrick…and that’s it. Until then. But clearly, without clarity in the game, only fighting and aerial balls. Obviously, it’s a moment that you could score, but without actually playing well. It is good for us. It’s a moment of attention. Self-criticism. It’s a good thing.”
And about the derby related to the defeat, Ancelotti said
No, we played worse than our opponents. Sometimes, football is not fair. If they played much better than you, you do not win.”
Ancelotti on Endrick’s performance
“He did well, having a very clear chance. He lacked a cool head on that one, but now he is young and must be backed as he has the quality to be with us.”
