Real Madrid’s Carlo Ancelotti Confident Ahead of Madrid Derby Despite Key Absence
This weekend’s highly anticipated Madrid derby between Real Madrid and Atlético will be missing a key player, as star forward Kylian Mbappé is expected to be sidelined for three weeks due to a thigh injury. However, Real Madrid’s coach Carlo Ancelotti is unfazed, stating that his team is well-equipped to handle Mbappé’s absence.
“Obviously, his absence changes things a bit, but not drastically,” Ancelotti said during a press conference on Saturday. “We’re accustomed to playing without him, and I believe we can adapt well to his absence.”
When asked about potential changes to the team’s formation, Ancelotti downplayed the significance of switching between a 4-3-3 and 4-4-2 system. “I don’t focus on the system; I focus on the team playing for each other with commitment,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, Atlético’s head coach Diego Simeone highlighted the importance of Real Madrid’s midfield, particularly the absence of Toni Kroos, who retired this summer. “Our opponent has lost a crucial player in midfield, Kroos, who provides balance to any team,” Simeone noted.
Despite the changes, both teams remain unbeaten this season, with Real Madrid holding a two-point lead over Atlético. Ancelotti acknowledged the importance of learning from past mistakes, particularly last year’s 3-1 defeat at the Metropolitano, where Atlético raced to a two-goal lead within the first 20 minutes. “Yes, 100%, we need to avoid those mistakes this time around,” Ancelotti said. “We’ve improved defensively, and we’ve learned from last year.”
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