After the 0-1 defeat away to Lille in the 2nd round of the Champions League, Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti gave an interview to Movistar+, giving an in-depth analysis and reflection on the match.
Carlo Ancelotti began with a frank statement, "They played better and we struggled to get into the game. We didn't have a chance until the end and it was through a cross. The team didn't play well and that's fine, it's important to learn from the defeat and improve. Sometimes losing is useful, it makes us more aware of our shortcomings. The season is still long and we have to improve and move on. Although we seem to be improving, today we regressed a bit."
Commenting on whether the team lacked intensity, Ancelotti noted, "Yes, defensively we were okay, but we suffered defeats in many confrontations. The order in the first half was not bad, but we always lost in confrontations, it was difficult to control the game and get into the game. This is something we need to improve."
On the purpose of the substitution, Ancelotti explained, "I wanted to attack more on the wings and try to break through the opponent's four-guard defense, but it was very difficult. We rarely created clear chances, only the one from Endrick. But there was no clear thinking in the game for us, only confrontations and high balls. We could have scored, sure, but we didn't play well. It's good for us, it's a wake-up call to self-criticize and that helps us improve."
Speaking on whether the depletion of the derby had an effect on the team, Ancelotti was adamant: "No, it didn't. We just played worse than our opponents. Soccer is not always fair and sometimes you have to realize that if they play better than you, you can't win. It's part of soccer and we need to accept it and face it."
Finally, Ancelotti recognized Ndelic's performance on his first start: "He did well and had a very clear chance. He wasn't precise enough, but he's young and has the strength to play with us. I'm sure he'll get better and better and contribute more to the team."
