Carlo Ancelotti, delighted two days after winning the Clasico and getting Real Madrid into the final of the Copa del Rey, took the opportunity at the press conference prior to Real Madrid's match against Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu to make it clear that it would be "impossible" for him to coach Barça. The Italian coach said: "I wouldn't swap with anyone because I'm at the best club in the world" and was "excited" about the end of the season.
"It's impossible for me to coach Barcelona one day. I wouldn't swap with Xavi. I'm lucky enough to coach Madrid, the best club in the world. I have a lot of respect for Barça and Xavi, but I'm in a place where people love me a lot. The season is very much alive, we are going to play a fourth final and we are satisfied. We want to finish the season well. We have a disadvantage in La Liga because Barcelona are doing very well. We think we have options in the league though -- until the mathematics condemn us, we're going to fight," mused Los Blancos boss Ancelotti.
In addition, 'Carletto' explained that "from a footballing point of view" the domestic games are very important because "they are very good for maintaining our form". "We will try to fight for the title until the end," he warned in an appearance in which he was unsparing in his praise for Vinicius. "He has trained many times to shoot at goal. Now he has more confidence and determination in finishing. He's handled the situation very well and he's improved his finishing. Vinicius is marking an era in the world of football and all Madrid fans hope he continues like this. He is doing very important things", he said. The Brazilian's ceiling, according to his point of view, will be marked by "continuity".
Ancelotti, who feels he doesn't have to "prove anything to anyone" after 1,272 games as a coach - a number he has in mind "because before the Clasico I looked at it by chance" - explained that he sees his players "united, excited and excited". "Also those who are not playing. This is good for us," he added, visibly proud. The coach reported that there have been "advances" in the negotiations between Real Madrid and Benzema, Kroos and Modric for their respective renewals: "I see the three of them as always. They can have moments of better and worse level, but this happens to all players. I said it in another press conference, we have to value players by their performance, not by their age. The energy of youth is important, but the way our veterans handle games is priceless and you can't find it on the market."
Finally, the Italian coach celebrated the good performance of David Alaba, who "is experiencing a complicated season due to injuries" but "in the last two games has helped us a lot to keep a clean sheet", and reported that, despite the 'scare', Rodrygo is in perfect condition to play against Villarreal. "He arrived a little late for training because he had a personal problem. He's fine. I think he's going to play," he said.