Carlo Ancelotti insists he is optimistic about Real Madrid’s next two games against Real Sociedad and PSG is surprised to find out that Gareth Bale hasn’t played at the Santiago Bernabeu for two years.
The Italian tactician faces a crucial week with games against Real Sociedad and PSG. The Merengues lost the first leg in the Champions League Round of 16 in Paris three weeks ago but can’t yet focus on the match against Gigio Donnarumma and Marco Verratti.
The La Liga leaders will host Real Sociedad at the Estadio Bernabeu tomorrow night without the likes of Federico Valverde and Toni Kroos. The Uruguay international has a full, while Kroos has knee issues, but Ancelotti believes both players will be available against PSG on Wednesday.
The ex Milan and Juventus coach said at a pre-match press conference that he is optimistic looking towards their next two games.
“My feeling is that the team are doing well. They’ve trained well,” the former Italy international said.
“We’re ready for this stretch of the season and hopefully, we can show that tomorrow against a team that’s playing good football. I live well or badly depending on what I see and what I see is a team that’s training well, that helps my mood. My mood today is very optimistic. I’ve seen that they’re training very well.”
Ancelotti was also asked his thoughts on Gareth Bale who hasn’t played at the Bernabeu for two years.
“It was surprising to find it out,” said Ancelotti.
“He played against Villarreal because Karim Benzema was not there, but now he feels well. I won’t decide the line-up thinking about the game against PSG. Tomorrow’s match is a final for us.”
Real Madrid are the La Liga leaders and Ancelotti is en route to win the first Spanish championship in his coaching career.
🗣 Ancelotti: "La lesión de Kroos no es un problema de cansancio. Es un poco de mala suerte" https://t.co/1Oxsq6OHwN
— MARCA (@marca) March 4, 2022