Despite having already advanced to the round of 16, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated his team will not take Tuesday’s (Oct. 24) Champions League match at RB Leipzig lightly since they aim to secure first place.
The Italian verified that Luka Modric and Karim Benzema did not travel to Germany because they were both experiencing physical tiredness. However, he maintained that Real should not undervalue their competitors, who are still competing to go to the knockout rounds.
With 10 points, the European champions are in first place in Group F, four points ahead of Leipzig in second and five points ahead of Shakhtar Donetsk. Only a draw is necessary for the Spaniards to secure first position.
Ancelotti stated at a news conference on Monday, “The goal on Tuesday is to play a strong game so we can forget about the group stage for good.” The objective is to place first, and we will have the chance to do so on Tuesday. Players still need not take a break.
Why would I give Vinicius a break? He is not worn out.”
Given that the World Cup is less than a month away, Ancelotti rejected the notion that some players may already be preoccupied. He emphasised that his players are focused on their club obligations and that there is still a lot to play for over the next three weeks.
Ancelotti stated, “I don’t think the players are thinking on the World Cup.” “On the contrary, they know that it must be the opposite, they must seek to arrive at the tournament with momentum from their club form.
“But if some did, I could understand. We are resting some of them because losing Benzema for a day is preferable to losing him for a month.”
Due to a muscle strain in his right leg, Federico Valverde will also be out for the Leipzig game.
Real are being cautious with their key players now, when they can afford to do so, according to Ancelotti.
“There are injuries in football. I usually tell people, “If you don’t want to hurt yourself, remain on the sofa,” “said he.
“Nobody has told me ‘I don’t want to train because I’m afraid’. If they did, I would advise them to remain in since there are so many worthwhile TV shows and movies “.
Real committed to winning the championship in Leipzig, according to Ancelotti
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