Ancelotti: "Courtois is in good shape and could play next week against Cádiz"

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti faced the media on Thursday ahead of Friday night’s La Liga clash with Real Sociedad. The Italian spoke about how he would rotate ahead of the upcoming Champions League semi-final against Bayern Munich as he said, “I think I have to think about the team a lot. The energy we’ve used has been huge. We have players who aren’t 100% recovered, so I have to think about a few things, including in goal, where Courtois is also in good shape and he could play with us next week against Cádiz.”
Ancelotti on thinking about the title
“All the excitement in the world is about the objective, we’re 7 points away from winning the league and we need to try to do that as soon as possible. We have a very complicated game against a difficult rival in Real Sociedad, but we will give our all to try to win.”
Ancelotti on Xavi staying at Barcelona
“I think Xavi has done a good job at Barcelona. He knows the club very well and it seems to me to be the correct decision to stay.”
Ancelotti on Bellingham, Rodrygo and Mendy missing training
“Bellingham has had a stomach problem last night. Rodrygo has flu, I think he will be available tomorrow but he has stayed at home today. Mendy won’t be available, I would prefer him to stay here to work and be back for the Champions League.”
Ancelotti on whether your word matters more than a contract
“Well, well, well... What a question. Everything is important. We have to respect that people can change their opinion. It’s not in writing. How many times have I changed opinion in my career? It’s allowed.”
Ancelotti on Laporta wanting a replay of the Clásico
“I read that. I don’t give my opinion on opinions.”
Ancelotti on whether the controversy bothers him
“No [it doesn’t annoy me]. We have such a good feeling at the moment that nothing going on around us affects us at all. We want to end this season fantastically and the things happening around us don’t impact us.”
Ancelotti on Laporta, again
“I think everyone, us included, has seen those declarations. I don’t have anything to say. It’s their opinion. As we say in Italy, the wind takes words away.”
Ancelotti on Arda Güler
“He’s good. He’s available, he hasn’t had the chance because there have been very demanding games and changing when the team is playing well is difficult. He hasn’t had the minutes he deserves for his work and attitude during this period. He’s good and could play at any time.”
Ancelotti on whether the title is already won
“Until the math gives us the title, we have to compete and fight. The dynamic is very good, but that’s not enough. We have to make sure we have a good dynamic, also for the Champions League games, to compete and give our all to win, which is most important.”
Ancelotti on Éder Militào
“He’s improved his level, but he’s still not at 100% because he’s missing minutes on the field. It might be tomorrow, it might not be.”
Ancelotti on Vinícius’ improvement in front of goal
“One of Vinícius’ best characteristics is his continuity in his play. I think he can still improve with room for improvement in the box and off the ball. He has the quality and desire to improve.”
Ancelotti on who he would give the Ballon d’Or, Bellingham or Vinícius
“To both.”