Ancelotti: I will not tell you what is on my mind, and I admire the way Yamal plays

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared in a press conference, to talk about tomorrow's confrontation against Barcelona, ​​in the 11th round of the Spanish League, at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.

The coach said: "The team is in good shape, motivated. El Clasico matches are always very difficult and competitive. It is a football festival and we want to perform well in front of our fans."

He added: "Barcelona have a very clear idea about the match, and they are playing very well. We have to respect them. They are a very brave team and we have to prepare for the match well and try to play in the best possible way."

He continued: “Bellingham is in very good condition, and he is progressing. He was suffering from shoulder and ankle problems, but he is in very good condition now. He contributes a lot to his work, which is very important for us. Last year, his goalscoring was decisive.” We lost an important striker like Benzema. We do not have this problem this year because we have a player who can score 45 goals (Mbappe).”

He stressed: “Does Barcelona scare you? They do a very good job. In a match like El Clásico or a derby, it is very difficult to choose a favorite team. Fortunately, no one is making me unable to sleep at this moment.”

He continued: “It is difficult to determine who is the most likely candidate to win, it depends on the dynamics of the match.” , but anything can happen. It's not just a question of quality, it's about how you deal with pressure or moments in the match. There will be moments in which we control and others in which Barcelona will control. Managing these times is very important to achieve success in the match.”

He noted: “We are satisfied with Mbaye, this is very important for the team. Although he did not score against Dortmund, he was very present in the first two goals. Little by little he searches for the best version of himself. We are not in a hurry, we are satisfied with what he is doing, but he will perform better because he has all the qualities. Mbappe has experience and played against Barcelona several times, and he knows what he has to do. He will contribute tomorrow.”

He added: “Are you planning to make any tactical adjustments for tomorrow’s match? I have something on my mind, it doesn't seem right to explain to you today (smiles). You have to see him tomorrow and then say whether I was wrong or not.”

He explained: “The beginning of Yamal’s career was wonderful. I love his way of playing and his attitude. He is a very dangerous player, but you have to focus on what you want to do. We respect Barcelona a lot, because they are doing a very good job.”

And he continued: “Criticism does not bother me, I understand it well, it is also there when you play well. I first want to clarify my ideas and then explain them well to the players. Often I like to know what the players also think about the ideal strategy for each match.”

And about the possibility of Barcelona playing with an advanced defense: “We are preparing the match to do things in a better way.” Good with and without the ball. You have to be able to deal with the attack. If they break the lines, you have to play a full match to win and we will try to do that.”

And about the secret of Barcelona’s change with Flick: “The philosophy has changed a little. He plays differently, more directly. I don’t want to compare him with Xavi, because Xavi did a great job at Barcelona in his own way. It is a different Barcelona that we respect just like Barça Xavi.”

He concluded: “Your hug with Mbappe against Dortmund? It means coaching one of the best players in the world, a man who is still very humble and has come a long way. I believe without a doubt that he will win the next Ballon d'Or. There is not just one leader, there are many leaders. Vinicius can be a leader, as can Valverde or Modric. Young people can prove through their attitudes and commitment that they are leaders.”