On the eve of Atalanta’s Champions League matchup with Real Madrid, Carlo Ancelotti gave a press conference.
How hard is tomorrow going to be?
Extremely demanding. Since the Super Cup, Atalanta has made significant progress and is currently playing quite well. They have a lot of energy and are doing well. However, we have a chance to win and get in.
Is Vinicius going to start?
He’s all right. He’s fully recovered. Both Rodrygo and today’s training session will be crucial. Bellingham is completely fine. Rodrygo and Vinicius are the only ones that raise questions. Following the training session, we will decide.
In the past month, what has changed with Bellingham?
Not very much. The team’s dynamic has shifted, and he makes the most of our increased offensive movement. Naturally, he scored, which is significant, but his mindset remains the same.
What aspects of Gasperini appeal to you?
We have a close friendship. When I visited, he was at the Juventus training facility. He performs admirably. Many players are changed every season, yet he is able to adjust. He performs with passion and beauty. He does amazing stuff.
In the past 77 games, Valverde has only missed one. Does he consider these factors, and is his statement regarding the holidays over?
Yes, for him. Naturally, we consider it, but rotating becomes challenging when you have a lot of ailments, some of which are chronic. Because he has played as a right-back, pivot, inside, winger, and more, Valverde is a unique case. We won two Champions Leagues with him in that position, so I don’t care if someone claims he doesn’t enjoy playing full-back. He is an essential member of this team.
Why don’t Güler and Endrick play more and why aren’t they loaned out in January?
Güler and Endrick will remain here. I don’t have any preconceived notions about anyone, but perhaps they need more minutes. Regardless of their age, I simply strive to play the best players in every game. That occasionally happens with Endrick, Güler, and other people. Yes, you must have patience while dealing with young players. They are enthusiastic, but they also need to learn some things because they are still young. I have no preconceived notions regarding young players; throughout my career, I have played games with players who were 17 or 18 years old if I felt they were capable of participating.
What does it feel like to watch Atalanta dominate Serie A?
They have a stunning stadium, a fantastic squad, and a club that does a spectacular job… even if they lose a lot of players every summer, as I said before. They always adapt. And that says a lot.
Do you feel that tomorrow you will be playing for more than three points?
No, nothing more. These will be three important points to qualify. It will be difficult to finish in the top eight, so we will have to play a round of 16, unfortunately. But tomorrow, it’s only three points.
You seem pretty relaxed about what’s at stake, don’t you?
I have full confidence in my team, in my players. We have progressed and we are now in a good dynamic. Tomorrow could be the most difficult match by the end of the year.
What does a coach and a club have to have to last that long?
The coach can hold on if the club holds on, otherwise ( laughs ), the coach cannot. It is as simple as that. There is no other recipe. The club-coach relationship is very important for success. The basis must be trust. If you succeed, it is because this relationship has been very good.
How worried are you today?
Average, average. It has not dropped compared to Girona. We are concerned about finding a good strategy to beat a very difficult opponent like Atalanta. But nothing more.
Do you think yesterday’s interview can put an end to the noise around Mbappé?
The first news conference without mentioning Mbappé was scheduled for tonight. Until you got there! (laughs) He’s doing well, making progress. I simply provided him with the assurance a player requires upon joining a new team. He has a positive dynamic, and tomorrow can be crucial for him.
