Ancelotti on Vinicius Jr, Asensio, Courtois, Endrick, the schedule, fatigue, and the match against Villarreal

Real Madrid C.F.

How is the team?

Recovering, because it has been a short time. It will be an aspect to consider for tomorrow, obviously. We must play an intelligent match...

How is Vinicius?

We have given him an extra day of rest because he was still very tired. Tomorrow he will be at full capacity, available. He has no type of problem, just a bit tired.

Do you understand why there has been so much fuss about this play? Or do you think it is exaggerated?

I have not noticed this. For us, the match is over. We are focused on the next one, which is tomorrow's. A very long period of many matches is coming, and we want to do well tomorrow.

What do you think of Asensio's call-up for Spain?

We celebrated it. It is very good news. He has deserved it for his work and seriousness. He deserves everything.

What do you think about LaLiga scheduling this match on a Saturday, knowing it was a Champions League matchday?

I don't understand it, but we can't do anything about it. I don't understand it. The minimum is 72 hours. I don't understand... but that's the schedule.

How do you explain that Vinicius can sometimes have such discreet performances?

Vinicius is indisputable. He may have better or worse games, but he is indisputable. If sometimes he doesn't play well, or he misses... I don't dispute it. He has been so important for this club that I can't dispute it.

What analysis do you make of the season?

Despite the difficulties, we have reached March alive in all competitions. And this has not happened in the last three years. The first year, Athletic knocked us out in January, in the second year we were far behind in the league... now, for the first time, we are alive in everything in March. We are doing well. And we can do better, but we are doing well.

How are you?

It is a stressful season, but because of the schedule. Since January, we have not stopped for a moment, playing every three days... tomorrow's could be the 21st or 22nd match. It is too much. Even for me, who doesn't play. Because preparing for a match every three days... the players don't have time to recover. But what can be done. The only option is to stop. But it can't be done.

What do you think of Courtois' words?

That's his opinion, ask him.

He said the fifth penalty was going to be for Endrick... Did he come in to take it?

No. He came in because Vinicius was tired and he wanted a fresh player.

How is the team in terms of emotional fatigue?

Obviously, we have to motivate the team more for tomorrow, than in a Champions League tie. Because in a tie, it comes on its own.

What are you emphasizing for tomorrow?

Tomorrow we will have to make an extraordinary effort. We may not have the energy and freshness needed because we do not have enough time for it. But we must have a good attitude, play an intelligent match... without getting caught up in back-and-forths. There are many ways to win, defending well, for example. What I think about in the preview is to play an intelligent match.