The full interview before the Copa game against Sociedad: Ancelotti admits the truth about Endrick’s limited playing time, but avoids an important question!

Real Madrid is gearing up for another crucial encounter as they prepare to face Real Sociedad in the second leg of the Copa del Rey semi-finals. Having secured a narrow 1-0 victory in the first leg, Carlo Ancelotti’s squad finds itself on the brink of yet another final appearance. However, as the focus intensifies on this fixture, a growing debate surrounding the limited playing time of Endrick has taken center stage.

Ahead of this pivotal match, Ancelotti addressed the media in his customary press conference. As expected, the Italian tactician provided insights into his team’s current form, squad depth, and tactical adjustments. However, it was his comments about Endrick—the young Brazilian talent who scored the decisive goal in the first leg—that raised eyebrows. While the coach acknowledged the player’s potential, he seemed to sidestep a pressing question about the broader issue of his integration into the squad.

Real Madrid’s Relentless Schedule

The discussion began with Ancelotti reflecting on the physical and mental condition of his players, emphasizing that the demanding calendar had been a major challenge this season. “We are doing well. We are motivated and in good shape. We want to play another final. The Cup has gone well for us, and we want to continue on this path,” he stated.

The manager acknowledged that the relentless match schedule has put significant strain on his squad. “There was no such wear and tear in my playing days. Football was different back then, both in terms of intensity and preparation,” he noted. With the possibility of playing up to 85 matches in a season, Ancelotti admitted that player management has become a key factor in Madrid’s campaign.

The Goalkeeping Dilemma

Another key topic was the selection of the starting goalkeeper for the match. With Thibaut Courtois still recovering from injury, Ancelotti hinted that Andriy Lunin or young Fran González could be given the nod. “Lunin can play, Courtois can play, and if they are both unavailable, we have González. But if we don’t reach the final, none of them will play,” he said with a touch of humor.

The Endrick Debate: Opportunity vs. Competition

One of the most anticipated questions revolved around Endrick and his role in the team. The young Brazilian, who continues to impress whenever given a chance, remains a fringe player under Ancelotti. “I am very happy with him. Whenever I have been able to, I have given him minutes, and he has always made the most of them. He may have a chance tomorrow,” Ancelotti commented.

Yet, despite these encouraging words, there is growing frustration among fans who believe Endrick deserves more opportunities. When asked what the player was lacking, Ancelotti deflected by pointing to the intense competition within the squad. “It’s not about what he lacks; it’s about the quality of the players ahead of him. Real Madrid’s history shows that even the best players have had to wait for their time. Vinicius, Rodrygo, Valverde, and Camavinga all had to be patient.”

Mbappé’s Rise and the Weight of Expectations

Ancelotti was also questioned about Kylian Mbappé, who has already matched Cristiano Ronaldo’s goal tally from his first season at Real Madrid. When asked if Mbappé could become the greatest of all time, Ancelotti responded cautiously: “It’s difficult to say. What I can advise him is to follow Cristiano’s example. If he does, he has the potential to become a legend.”

Real Madrid vs. Barcelona: A Tactical Comparison

The inevitable comparison between Madrid and Barcelona was also brought up. Ancelotti remained diplomatic in his response, stating, “Everyone has their own opinion. Some prefer possession-based football, others prefer direct play. There are many styles in football. I personally enjoy how my team plays.”

David Alaba’s Fitness and Squad Rotation

With David Alaba returning from international duty, Ancelotti admitted that managing his workload was essential. “He has done well, but playing two games in three days can be risky. Those who didn’t start against Leganés have a greater chance of playing tomorrow.”

The Copa del Rey Motivation

Ancelotti, who stands on the brink of becoming the first Madrid coach to win three Copa del Rey titles, spoke about his personal motivation. “Being close to another title excites me. Every final is special. Having our fans behind us gives us extra motivation.”

Madrid’s Defensive Struggles

When asked why Madrid has struggled to close out games this season, Ancelotti pointed to defensive issues. “All matches are tough. We are very efficient in attack, but less solid than last year. Injuries in defense have affected us.”

The Fatigue Factor

With Madrid’s packed schedule, player fatigue has become a concern. Ancelotti admitted, “We talk about it a lot. This season has been very demanding. Some players handle it better than others. It’s difficult to stay fully focused all the time.”

Refereeing Controversies

The press conference also touched on the recent complaints about refereeing decisions favoring Madrid. Ancelotti addressed this diplomatically, saying, “There have been controversial moments that cost us points. I understand why some teams are frustrated.”

Expanding the Coaching Staff?

When asked whether Madrid would consider expanding their coaching staff to handle the demands of the season, Ancelotti dismissed the idea. “I don’t think it’s necessary. We have a solid team in place. However, with so many young players, individualized coaching might be beneficial.”

The Issue of Rest Days

Real Sociedad had 24 hours more rest than Madrid leading into the game. When asked if this was unfair, Ancelotti played it down. “I noticed it, but it’s not a big issue. As long as we get a minimum of three days’ rest, we can manage.”

Conclusion: A Crucial Test for Real Madrid

With the second leg against Sociedad looming, Madrid fans eagerly await whether Ancelotti will grant Endrick more minutes or stick to his cautious approach. The young Brazilian has already proven his ability to change games, but whether he will be trusted in this crucial moment remains uncertain.

As Ancelotti continues to navigate the challenges of squad management, Real Madrid stands at a defining moment in their season. Will they seize their chance to reach another final, or will Sociedad spring a surprise? One thing is certain—Madrid’s depth will be tested once again.