Ancelotti points to the lack of “intensity” as Real Madrid’s problem

MADRID.- The coach of real Madrid, Charles Ancelottipointed out in the press conference this Friday prior to the game against Villarreal that two of the main factors of the team’s poor play are “the lack of intensity in defense and the slow circulation of the ball.”

“We are not yet up to par, but there is little left. I think there are players who have not reached their best level, it is normal, we have to be patient. We lack defensive intensity, also offense and improving the speed of ball circulation, there It’s where we have to improve,” Ancelotti said.

Regarding the whites’ defeat in Lille on Wednesday in the Champions League (1-0), the Italian coach assured that “sometimes a defeat reconnects you with reality and I liked how the players reacted.”

In addition, Ancelotti cleared up doubts about whether any reinforcement is missing: “I don’t think there is any touch player missing. Modric, Camavinga, Valverde, Bellingham have it. Tchouameni is fundamental in the defensive aspect. We have a lot of variety and although we are not showing all the quality that we have, nothing is missing”.

Mbappé situation

Regarding the absence of French striker Kylian Mbappé in the French country’s next call for the Nations League, Ancelotti assured: “I don’t want to give my opinion on what the national team coaches decide. Mbappé has had a problem that seems resolved, still “It is not 100% resolved, although today he trained normally. Deschamps has chosen not to call him up.”

“Mbappé has spoken with his coach, the club’s medical staff speaks with the national team’s medical staff, they will have spoken and made this decision,” he added.

Mbappé already played almost 40 minutes in the 1-0 defeat against Lille on Wednesday in the Champions League.

Real Madrid is second in the League with 18 points, three behind the leader Barcelona (21 points).

The ‘merengues’ face Villarreal at the Santiago Bernabéu on Saturday, which is third in the League with 17 points.

Marcelino García Toral’s men have only lost one game in the league, against Barcelona (5-1).