We want to start the year strongly and this game is a challenge

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press at Real Madrid City, wishing everyone a happy new year, before discussing the opening game of 2025 that sees Real Madrid face Valencia at Mestalla (Friday, 9:00 pm CET): “We’re starting out with another challenge and we’re up for it. It’ll be a tough match against a team who have changed coach and always make things difficult for us. We want to start the year strongly and this is an important match, a challenge. The team looks in good shape, the rest has done us good because everyone is back, motivated and in good form.”

“Looking at what we’re likely to find on the pitch, it’s an outfit who have changed their coach. When a new manager comes in, there’s always an extra degree of motivation among the players. We have to understand that on a personal level, Baraja did a brilliant job at Valencia, but these things happen in football. A new coach has come in with new ideas and we’re expecting a demanding game in that sense. I don’t know what the atmosphere will be like but we have to be focused on the game and nothing more.”

How have you prepared for Valencia tactically?
“I’ll tell you what we’ve done. We looked at how this coach set up when he was at West Brom, taking Valencia’s attributes into account. As a team, with how Baraja played, they’re pretty similar to what the new coach will look to do. We’ve assessed both elements.”

Bad run in opening games of the year 
“Thanks for the reminder. I’d forgotten those couple of games that didn’t go as we’d have liked. I think motivation in the team looks good, they’re focused, but I’ll remind them tomorrow that things didn’t go to plan and hopefully that will give us an extra edge.”

Challenges for 2025
“There is nothing new compared to 2024. We have to win games and after the negative spell in November, the ream reacted really well and looks much better now, motivation is high and we’ve got some injured guys back with us. Alaba is training with us again… there is a good atmosphere about the place and that will remain as long as we’re winning games.”

Vini Jr.
“He’s great. He’s come back in good shape and he made the most of the time off. He’s fresh, motivated and excited about the awards he’s won in recent weeks. He’s prepared for the game as he always does, eager to make a difference tomorrow.”

Rest for individual players
“We’re thinking about how to do it. We’ve got a more complete side now and there will be more rotation, especially at the back once Alaba is playing again. That’s the position where we’ve struggled the most. He’ll start getting involved in training games next week, and I hope he’ll be back on the pitch around the 20th of January. That will really help.”

Reinforcements in January 
“We’ll see. We have loads of games in January and we’re focused on that. Discussing the transfer window isn’t easy at this time. Now isn’t the best moment to talk about it here. I’m delighted with the squad I have at my disposal. We’ve had some difficulties but we’ve been able to overcome them.”

Barcelona’s poor recent results
“Nobody expected that. The level of competition in in LaLiga means the number of points needed to win it is reduced. Atlético are in the fight as well and that adds to the uncertainty. I think LaLiga may be won with fewer than 90 points.”

“Both Barcelona and Atlético are rivals in the battle for LaLiga. Every team can suffer a dip in form, as was the case with us in November, and the reaction to that makes you more competitive again. The three teams all have the same chance of winning LaLiga.”

Dani Olmo
“I don’t know much about it. All I can say is that we have to respect all clubs, institutions and the rules. I can’t answer that question because I don’t have any of the details.”
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