The situation of Marco Asensio, who with six days to go until the end of the summer market still does not reveal his future, starred in Carlo Ancelotti’s press conference today in Valdebebas, prior to tomorrow’s Sunday match in Barcelona against Espanyol. “There is nothing new with Asensio. I know that he is evaluating his position and we are waiting. On September 2, if he stays, we are delighted because he will be an important player in our squad and he can contribute a lot. If Marco leaves we will not sign anyone because we don’t need it. We have a squad with many resources,” he said.
The Italian coach was also not very clear about whether the club contemplates the departure of Mariano Diaz. Asked if he has him, he replied: “I have Mariano, but in front of me is the best striker in the world. It’s more difficult for him to play than for others.”
Clearer is the situation of Dani Ceballos, another footballer who until recently was not sure about his future: “Dani is going to stay. He has no doubt. He wants to stay and we are delighted. He has not played as much yet, but from the next week we have a game every three days and he will have more minutes because he deserves it”.
For the game against Espanyol, Madrid gets Kroos and Rodrygo back, but Ancelotti announced that he does not have Odriozola, Nacho and Vallejo: “Kroos has recovered well, but we have Nacho and Odriozola out. And also Vallejo, who have had problems. This is a game that we lost last year and we’re going to try to do well. Espanyol is a team that fights a lot and they already beat us last year. In order to beat them we have to get the best out of them”.
Today marks the tenth anniversary of Luka Modric’s arrival in Madrid and Ancelotti did not overlook it: “I think it has been a good signing. For Real Madrid and for him. It is the best place to demonstrate his quality. His career has had a lot of continuity. Always having a very high level. I think he can continue because I see him fresh and very motivated. I see him in every training session”.
Ancelotti also spoke about Casemiro’s departure: “The fact that he has left not only creates a technical problem for us. It is also the good relationship we had. When Casemiro leaves you feel sorry and you get sad. Today his new stage will begin And we wish him the best.”
The last question to Ancelotti was if he is going to change the methodology to play every three days: “When you travel every three days there is not much to do because you have to work and we do intense work only for those who have not played. The rest must rest and we use video a little more. The less you work, the less damage you can do.”
