With his usual sobriety, Carlo Ancelotti stood in front of the media and spoke after the defeat at the Las Vegas Classic (0-1). Confirmed firmly that Alaba will play as a central defender again this season (“I don’t want to change last year’s partner”), he was full of praise for Benzema, the big absentee on the night and settled on any possible departure about the further they arrived in this market, emphasizing that the team is what they have. They now have better than last year
What feelings did Rudiger leave you with as a left-back? “I liked it very much. I am not crazy, and he is very smart. In this position he can play, as well as change during the match with Alaba. They did not do that today, because he was good”
What will Alaba play? “On the left side…only when there is a need; I don’t want to change the couple from last year”
How did you see Hazard as a false nine? “He can play in several positions, we saw that last year. He has the trait to be a false nine, but he has to get used to that”
What is your plan with Asensio and Ceballos? “They don’t bother me, of course, but the competition has increased. They have been good”
Would it be the best thing for them to get out? “Ask the club”
Do you want them to be offered renewal? Ask the club
Do you need another striker? “The team is closed and it is better than last year. Two new people have come in who will contribute a lot. There are 27 players, a lot of them and their training is not easy, but the ones I have are smart and understand the difficulty I am facing”
What is your plan with Mayoral? “He is in the same position as the rest. He will train and if he is ready to play, he will play”
How is Benzem? “Against America he will play 45 minutes. He will play more against Juventus, as I plan to use the team that will play the Super Cup”
Don’t have a replacement? “If he is missing, he will miss the best player in the world, there is no one who can replace Karim, but we will put another player, and we will play with eleven”
