Carlo Ancelotti has given more clues about how things might go after the final pre-season friendly. Los Blancos ended their US tour with a 2-1 win over Chelsea, after defeats to AC Milan and Manchester City, thanks to goals from Lucas Vazquez and Brahim Diaz. Ancelotti told Diario AS that he was most concerned about fitness.
“The results don’t worry me at all. The good news is that the players who are here have shown very good physical condition, they are ready to prepare well for the Super Cup. Let’s see how the absentees return. They have worked at home and I hope they arrive in good condition. And if that is not the case, then everyone stays on the bench, there is no problem (laughs).”
He was also asked what would be the best position for Vinicius ahead of the upcoming season. Against Chelsea, he started up front with Rodrygo Goes and Brahim. “Today we started with Brahim in the middle, Rodrygo on the right and Vini on the left, on the outside. Often, Brahim went to the right, Vinicius inside, Rodrygo on the left… Mobility is very important, with the quality of the men we have, they must not have a fixed position the whole game. The important thing is that when we don’t have the ball, the one who plays on the right must work on the right. And the one who is in the middle helps the midfielders. With the ball, mobility is essential. If you fix your position with the ball, it is much easier for the opponent.”
Everyone will have to defend
Jude Bellingham meanwhile was used in a variety of positions last season, but Ancelotti continues to insist the Englishman will play closer to goal. He will continue to play up front, when we have the ball; when he doesn’t, he will have to defend. Like everyone else. I hope everyone does.”
This implies that Rodrygo and Brahim will likely spend a lot more time on the bench, or that Los Blancos will be very attacking. As for Mbappe and Vinicius, Rodrygo showed last season in the clash against Manchester City that having two players operating in similar areas can work, even if Vinicius had to move more inside. It seems like this could be the answer to the many questions Ancelotti has been receiving.
