Carlo Ancelotti: “Getting out of the group stage is our first objective of the season”

Real Madrid is still unbeaten in La Liga after winning the Champions League and La Liga last season.

They have won seven of their last eight games, and they have won all three of their games in the Champions League so far.

At the Polish Army Stadium in Warsaw, Los Blancos will take on Shakhtar Donetsk in an attempt to extend their remarkable run.

The participation of Luka Modric and Karim Benzema will give them an advantage over the Ukrainian team, who they overcame in the previous match last week.

Prior to Real Madrid and Shakhtar Donetsk’s matchup on Matchday 4 of the Champions League group stage, Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media at Legia Warszawa.

“The challenge for us is to make sure the players recovery properly and we then assess whether they’re tired. Tonight’s training session will be important and I’ll name the right team to win the game. We’ve got the chance to, and will be looking to put the group stage to bed. That’ll be important for us.”

“Getting out of the group stage is our first objective of the season and the sooner we do that, the better. That can help to give you more energy for the league season, but you’ve got to realise that when it comes to the Champions League, Real Madrid can’t possibly consider not putting in a strong performance. If we’re lucky enough to qualify tomorrow night, we’ll then go on to put in two strong performances and will want to win both games.”

Ancelotti on Vinicius Jr. & Benzema

“Vini is one of the players I’ll have to take a look at. He’s played every game and played on Saturday night too and he’s had the travelling today on top of that. Benzema is doing fine and will obviously play tomorrow night, as will Kroos and Mendy. They’re rested and fresh and will play.”

Ancelotti spoke about Squad rotation

“It’s very tough. The players become angry and everyone expresses that in their own way. The reaction from every member of the group has been very positive.”

“The reaction shows that they’re all focused on our work and nobody has thrown in the towel up until now. They’re very respectful when it comes to my decisions and that’s the most important thing. You’re entitled to be angry with the coach, but it’s best not to be cross with the individual”.

Ancelotti on Courtois’s recovery

“He’s doing a lot better and we spoke to him before we left Madrid. He’ll start training on Thursday so that he’s fit for Sunday’s match.”

Ancelotti on Lunin

“I speak to him. He’s doing well, he’s young and possesses real quality. These kinds of games are useful because they allow him to gain experience and knowledge, which is what he’s lacking right now. He’s got the quality of a great goalkeeper.”

“He’s quite a timid boy. He’s not someone who speaks all that much and it’s perfectly normal for him to be affected by everything that’s going on. It’s affecting everyone. all we can do is try to help him and be there to help him out if he needs anything.”

Ancelotti on Eden Hazard

“He might start the game or he might not. I’m not totally clear on my line-up. The players who haven’t been playing will play tomorrow night and as for the rest of them, I’ll assess things with my coaching staff and the medical team.”

Ancelotti was asked whether announcing the line-up so far in advance give the opposition an advantage?

“I name my starting line-up two hours before kick off, just as I always do. The team talk usually begins two hours before kick-off and that’s when I name my team.”

“Nothing has changed in that respect. That’s just something that I’m used to doing and I’m not bothered about not keeping the line-up a secret. There’s no such thing as a secret in the modern game.”

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