Carlo Ancelotti: “The first 20 minutes were great”

Press conference of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti after the Champions League group stage third-round match against Shakhtar Donetsk (2:1).

– It would be natural for the team to win big. What are your impressions of the match?

– I’m happy. I think we played very well, especially offensively. We found a lot of positions but we didn’t get all of them, the main thing is to create these chances.

– Did you reach your goal after winning?

– Unbelievably we spent the first 20 minutes winning 2:0.

– Real Madrid was very confident, the match was supposed to end in defeat, but it didn’t happen…

– Yes, we reduced the intensity in the match, after 20 minutes we felt quite comfortable. The goal we conceded before the break showed that the game was not over yet. It happens, but we played well. The match may seem easy, but it is not. If you can’t score your chance, the opponent can use his opportunity. It seems to me that in the first half Shakhtar had a moment and in the second half our defense controlled everything.

– Worried that Real Madrid might not loosen up at the most inopportune moment and put pressure on the opponent?

– The team will not relax unless necessary, but the players will leave the situation when the game is under your control and the score is 2-0 in your favor. We are all human and all individuals can relax in such moments. I am happy because my team came together and played very well. All three attackers worked wonders when they were in the lead. Federico Valverde also got into the game very well and Kroos and the midfielders worked the ball well, so the mid-line attacks were well supported. I do not care. Of course, you need to increase the intensity, maintain the speed – this is important, but not always possible.

– 3 wins and 9 points in 3 starting matches in the Champions League. How would you rate the result in terms of the upcoming World Cup?

– In the Champions League it is important to score as many points as possible and reach the playoffs of the tournament as early as possible, because matches take a lot of energy.

– Rodrigo acted unusually deep. How do you see the Brazilian’s combination game with Benzema and Vinicius? Maybe in the future we will see Rodrigo more often in this position?

– Actually, since Shakhtar’s defenders are good with the ball, we changed his position a bit to put pressure on the opponent’s two defenders and tried to create problems for them by constantly putting pressure on them. Rodrigo interacted well with Benzema, I think we can continue to play in the 4-4-2 formation because Rodrigo gives a good quality in ball play. He could go to any position, although this change did not put an emphasis on defense – it was simply necessary to put more pressure on the opponent’s defenders.

– Does Rodrigo have health problems?

– There is a slight cramp in the calf muscle but that’s okay, no serious injury.

How do you like Benzema? The game was given to him, did he create luck?

– In his position, he played a decisive role in the last stage of the attack with his quality. He didn’t score a penalty in the last game of the championship, but we don’t think about that. He’s back in form, he’s played a full game now and we’re happy with him.

– Rodrigo scored a goal and assisted – Is he having his best time in Madrid?

He is having the best times since he arrived. He needs to improve and he does, gains more confidence, takes part in completing attacks, takes more playing time. But Rodrigo deserved it.