Ancelotti: Kroos and Modric are untouchable. Why doesn’t he want a left-back to attack?

Carlo Ancelotti prepares his team for the fifth El Clásico of the season. “This time it’s time for us to win,” the Italian coach told a press conference after Barcelona’s three wins.

This is the fifth time this season that Real Madrid and Barcelona will face each other. Real Madrid won the first El Clásico of the season 3-1, but since then only the Blaugranas have won.

The Culés won the Super Cup final 3-1, the Cup semi-final 1-0 and the league match 2-1. In 2023, Barcelona has a 100% record.

That is why Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that the time is ripe for Los Blancos to take back the reigns of Spain.

At the same time, he was constantly questioned at the press conference about the composition of Wednesday’s line-up. Eduardo Camavinga has come into great form, while Rodrygo and Marco Asensio were also excellent on the wing and on the sub-field in Saturday’s game.

But Ancelotti still has Aurélian Tchouaméni, Federico Valverde and especially the pair of icons Toni Kroos – Luka Modric. However, only three players can play in the centre of midfield.

“Yes, Kroos and Modric are untouchable… But that doesn’t mean they will play tomorrow. It’s difficult to choose the line-up. It’s not only important who plays from the start, but also who finishes, they can play 120 minutes. I have to think about who to keep on the bench to decide the game,” Ancelotti said somewhat cryptically.

One of the hallmarks of Real Madrid’s play is that most of their attacking runs are down the left side through Vinicius Junior, who is assisted by Karim Benzema. If Ferland Mendy or Nacho is on the left flank, he doesn’t attack much, but if Camavinga is playing there, he likes to attack.

Ancelotti doesn’t quite call for it though. “We have the left side well covered thanks to Vinícius. That’s why we don’t demand so much from the left-back. If Rodrygo is on the right, it is also well covered, if Valverde, it is more in the middle, and we want more attacking from the outside backs,” the Italian strategist explained.

Source: MARCA