Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised the professionalism of his team, as they secured a comfortable 1-4 victory away at Cornellà in the Copa del Rey first-leg match.
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Real Madrid, whilst sportingly praising the effort from their opponents, Cornellà.
“The team took the game seriously, we did well and ended up imposing ourselves on them, so I’m happy. For the hard work they did, Cornellà deserved to score, so it’s a fair result.”
There was considerable surprise that Carvajal started the game at left-back, rather than his more natural right-back position. Ancelotti explained: “This is something I’ve been thinking about, so he can get used to playing on the left as well.”
A great turnout of almost 30,000 fans greeted the two sides at the stadium, which Ancelotti felt made for a great cup atmosphere.
“It was a really good atmosphere. Cornellà made the most of it and competed very well. I think that everyone who came to the game will be happy with what they’ve seen.”
When Isco was substituted late in the game, he left the pitch to a standing ovation. Ancelotti felt that was deserving praise for the talented young player, before adding some of his own.
“He’s a much loved player and really switched on. He works hard, he does a lot of running. This is the best period for him since he joined Real Madrid. Hopefully he’ll keep this attitude and rhythm going.”
Many expected Karim Benzema to be rested, along with other notable stars in the side, but that wasn’t the case. Ancelotti enthused about the strength and fitness of the Frenchman, whilst also pleased with the outings that Illarramendi and Khedira enjoyed.
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“He’s fine physically, hasn’t had any problems recovering and he hasn’t needed a rest. I think the whole squad was fine. Illarramendi and Khedira also showed that they’re in good shape, so I’m very happy about that.”
James Rodríguez was also substituted, but though he took a couple of knocks during the game, Ancelotti insisted it was always a move they had plann, whilst confirming the Colombian has suffered no injury.
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[video=youtube;cTnkY2WV33Q]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cTnkY2WV33Q[/video]
“There weren’t any problems, we’d planned to play him for an hour and then make a change. He had a solid game.”
As for comments at his press conference earlier in the day, which appeared to criticise FIFA president Sepp Blatter, Ancelotti admitted that the question he’d been asked was perhaps lost in translation and unclear, with him misunderstanding, before offering his response.
“I want to clarify what I said, because maybe the question wasn’t put to me so clearly. I was asked what I thought of him saying the ‘golden ball’ should have gone to Neuer. Obviously Blatter didn’t say that about the ‘Ballon d’Or’ award, it was about the ‘golden ball’ at the World Cup, just so we’re clear and for me to rectify what was said.”
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Understandably, an easy mistake to make. In Spain the Ballon d’Or is often referred to as the ‘Balon de Oro’ (Golden Ball), just the same as the corresponding trophy at the World Cup, for which Blatter was commenting, is also referred to as the ‘Balon de Oro’. In this instance, Ancelotti had believed the journalist had suggested Blatter had favoured Manuel Neuer, instead of Cristiano Ronaldo, for the upcoming Ballon d’Or, hence his perhaps hasty response.