Carlo Ancelotti said that one of his players is a “gift” to soccer following a 5-0 Copa del Rey win … [+] over Deportivo Minera on Monday evening.
Getty Images
Carlo Ancelotti said that one of his Real Madrid players is a “gift” to soccer following a 5-0 Copa del Rey win over Deportivo Minera on Monday evening.
The Italian fielded a second string outfit for the clash with two youngsters handed their senior debuts.
“They showed their quality. It’s a good experience for them to be with us, to work, to train, to get minutes with us. They are young – they and others – with a lot of quality. We always have them under control, we observe them,” Ancelotti revealed following the full time whistle.
While there was plenty of youth in the starting XI including Endrick and Arda Guler, who scored twice, the eldest star was of course captain Luka Modric.
Ancelotti said that the Croat is a “gift for football”. “Even more so for those who can enjoy him up close: the fans, teammates, the coach, all of Real Madrid. For me he’s a great gift, especially because of the way he prepares for this type of game. He prepares them as if they were a final, he is a very important example for young people,” Ancelotti added.
Though he didn’t manage to find the back of the net, Ancelotti felt that Endrick “played a good game”.
“Scoring is a detail. He moved well, he had chances, his movement is always effective behind the attacking line. He lacked accuracy, but his game was very good. And on the right he was very dangerous. He must be patient, he will score goals when we need them,” Ancelotti insisted.
Opening his side’s account, Fede Valverde was also impressive. “He was very good,” Ancelotti said about the Uruguayan. “He played 45 minutes and we thought they were good for him. He left Valencia very fresh. We have taken minutes away from others. He’s very well.”
The mentioned Valencia match of course saw Vinicius Jr. sent off, and as he did during his post-match interview in the Mestalla and a prematch press conference to preview Deportivo Minera, Ancelotti once more commented on a potential suspension for the Brazilian.
“We don’t think they’re going to sanction him. He doesn’t need affection. He’s one of the best in the world, he’s won two Champions Leagues. He has the affection of all the Madrid fans, and that’s why he plays very well,” Ancelotti concluded.
