Four days after Atletico, Carlo Ancelotti lets go of everything about Camavinga: “He forced…”

After a disappointing defeat against Real Betis in La Liga last weekend, Carlo Ancelotti and his Real Madrid squad are set to host Rayo Vallecano this Sunday for Matchday 27 of the Spanish league. With the title race heating up, the Italian coach took the opportunity to address the media ahead of this crucial encounter, shedding light on several key players, including Eduardo Camavinga and Federico Valverde.

Real Madrid remains determined to fight for the La Liga crown despite sitting third in the standings with 54 points—trailing Atlético Madrid (56 points) and FC Barcelona (57 points). This upcoming match against Rayo Vallecano at the iconic Santiago Bernabéu could prove pivotal in their pursuit of reclaiming the top spot. Ancelotti made a series of significant revelations about his squad during his pre-match press conference, offering insight into their current form and mindset.

The Challenge Against Rayo Vallecano

Ancelotti acknowledged that Rayo Vallecano will be a tough opponent, emphasizing their strong organization and high intensity. “They are well-organized, intense, and will demand a lot from us. We must stay in the fight for La Liga. Securing points is essential,” he stated. The coach also expressed confidence in his team’s preparation, noting that they have had sufficient time to recover from their last match.

Understanding His Players

When asked about his approach to managing player morale and fitness, Ancelotti humorously remarked, “I wish I could be a little mouse and spy on my players to know exactly what they think.” He added that his personal relationship with each player is key to understanding their mindset and performance levels.

Balancing the Team

Regarding team balance, Ancelotti stressed that his primary concern is ensuring collective performance. “I do not evaluate every match individually. Sometimes, one player stands out more than another, but my focus is on the overall team. If someone excels, others are happy for them—that’s what matters most.”

Florentino Pérez’s Birthday and Real Madrid’s Gift

On the occasion of club president Florentino Pérez’s birthday, Ancelotti revealed that he had congratulated him personally. “I told him to enjoy his day. He doesn’t ask for anything special—just that the team performs well. Our gift to him? Winning tomorrow or, better yet, something even bigger at the end of the season.”

Disappointment After the Sevilla Match

Reflecting on their recent performance against Sevilla, Ancelotti admitted he was disappointed. “I thought we were in a good moment, so I didn’t expect that drop in form. But it was an isolated incident. This season is extremely demanding, and fatigue plays a role. No team can be at 100% in every match. However, we’ve responded well and are back on track.”

Real Madrid’s Fighting Spirit

The Italian tactician assured that his team remains highly motivated. “We are ready to fight in every match while managing fatigue. I’m more relaxed about tomorrow’s game because we’ve had five days to rest. Against Betis, we had far less recovery time, which made it physically and mentally tougher. We are close to a Copa del Rey final, close to the top of La Liga, and in the Champions League quarter-finals. Ideally, we’d be leading the league, but we are in the fight.”

Valverde’s Versatility

Discussing Federico Valverde’s role, Ancelotti praised his adaptability. “He’s in good shape and fully available. He had some struggles against Atlético but has since improved. He doesn’t particularly like playing as a right winger—he prefers playing in central midfield or even as a full-back. In the future, he will be among the best, if he isn’t already.”

Eduardo Camavinga’s Struggles

One of the most revealing comments from Ancelotti was about Eduardo Camavinga. “He hasn’t had continuity due to injuries. He was out for three and a half months, which made it harder to build consistency. Recently, he’s been struggling with back pain, which has prevented him from playing at 100%. He forced himself to play for the team’s sake, but he will return to his best soon.”

What’s Happening with Mbappé?

When asked about Kylian Mbappé’s performances, Ancelotti acknowledged that the French forward has had ups and downs. “Against Atlético, he didn’t perform like he did against City. But overall, he’s doing very well. We are thrilled with him. People need to understand that no player can be at their peak in every match. The season is demanding, and even top-quality players experience fluctuations. Still, if we are in the Champions League knockout stages, it’s largely thanks to him—he scored four goals in the playoffs.”

Rodrygo’s Form and Contributions

Rodrygo has also been a standout performer in recent matches. “He’s playing really well and helping the team a lot. His work rate upfront is making us more solid defensively, which is crucial.”

Luka Modric’s Durability

Ancelotti dismissed concerns about Luka Modric’s ability to play multiple matches in quick succession. “I’ve already said it—he can play tomorrow and again on Wednesday. His recovery is not an issue. It doesn’t surprise me because I see how he trains every day. He is a role model for younger players.”

Final Thoughts

As Real Madrid prepares for their showdown against Rayo Vallecano, Ancelotti’s words reflect both confidence and caution. While acknowledging the challenges ahead, he remains convinced that his team has what it takes to compete at the highest level. The battle for La Liga supremacy is far from over, and every match is an opportunity to push closer to their ultimate goal.

With players like Valverde and Camavinga fighting through difficulties, and stars like Mbappé and Rodrygo carrying the attacking burden, Real Madrid is gearing up for a decisive phase of the season. Whether they can turn things around and challenge for the title remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Ancelotti’s squad will not give up without a fight.