Real Madrid's Italian coach Carlo Ancelotti speaks to media during a press conference on the eve of their Liga football match against Real Betis, at the club's training facilities of Valdebebas in Madrid on August 31, 2024.

Ancelotti reacts to criticism Real Madrid have faced after defeat to Lille

Photo by THOMAS COEX/AFP via Getty Images

Real Madrid are set to return to the playing field today with a match scheduled against Villarreal after their demoralising defeat to Lille in the UEFA Champions League.

The Merengues will be looking to get a win in this game to ensure they do not lose further ground to a high-flying Barcelona and also to go into the international break with their spirits high.

Carlo Ancelotti undertook his customary press conference ahead of this game and had a lot to talk about the defeat against Lille.

As MARCA has reported, the Real Madrid trainer was not too pessimistic about the defeat and believed that this setback would only help his team get back to their best:

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the criticism is fair considering the Lille match. There are moments when you need to reconnect, and we need to do it quickly. Sometimes a defeat—none of us like to lose—but when you’ve been on a great run, you can start to think you’re invincible.

A loss brings you back to reality, which is our job. We’re not at our best, but we’re close. We have players who haven’t reached their peak yet. We’re not far from where we want to be. We’re just lacking a bit of intensity, both defensively and offensively, and in ball movement.”

One of the criticisms the team faced after the game was the lack of creativity in the midfield. However, Ancelotti did not believe that this was a problem:

“I don’t think we’re missing a player with good touch. Camavinga, Modric, Valverde, Bellingham—they all have touch. Tchouaméni is fundamental for the team’s defensive aspect. We have a lot of variety; we’re just not showing it right now. But it’s not that something is missing—nothing is lacking.”

Further commenting on the criticism the team faced, Ancelotti said:

“Everyone is entitled to their opinion, and the criticism is fair considering Wednesday’s game. Sometimes there are moments to reconnect, and we need to do it soon and fast. None of us like losing, but we’ve been on a great run, and a loss brings you back to reality, which is our job. We have to do better.”

Real Madrid surely need to put in a good performance tonight to show they have learned their lessons from the loss to Lille. Hopefully, they will be able to get a good result from this game to maintain their spirits at this crucial stage of the season.

Tags Carlo Ancelotti