Copa del Rey: Osasuna vs Real Madrid discussion

Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the press at Real Madrid City the day before the match against Osasuna. The Italian coach, who confirmed that “Bale will be in the starting line-up and Xabi Alonso isn't in the squad list”, discussed the first-leg match of the Copa del Rey round of sixteen:  “Playing in our stadium is more comfortable than playing away matches. The fans at the Bernabéu are important for all our matches and tomorrow is no exception because we face a playoff against a team that gave us a lot of trouble in la Liga. It's an important competition and tomorrow we have to achieve a good score and get the lead on them to take the pressure off the return-leg match”.

The Italian also spoke of the week ahead for his team, in which they'll be playing three matches: “We still have one recovery day left before tomorrow. If I see that the players are not in their best shape they won't play, but I don't think there'll be a lot of changes. The team's going to improve. Last week wasn't so great because the trip to Doha didn't help with preparations for the match against Celta. Playing is better than training because player fitness improves more quickly in matches.

When asked about Di María and what took place at the match against Celta, the manager stated: “We have to believe the player. He's given his explanation. If anyone thinks that it was a rude gesture, he's apologised. He's focused and I don't think he'll have any problems at the Bernabéu. That's my hope. These fans are always demanding but they're very fond of their players and I don't think he'll have any problems tomorrow. The fans understand him. It's possible that he made a mistake but the issue has to be finished with quickly because we have a lot of matches and we need him”. As to whether he'll be in the opening line-up against Osasuna, Ancelotti stated: “He isn't going to be in the opening line-up because I'm going to pick more rested players. He's very keen. He's pleased to be here and he's playing well, with confidence. He gets on well with the

FalcaoPunch wrote:Not many people here rated Modric.
But I feel that without Kheidra our midfield just seems to do much better.

I hope he has a speedy recovery, but I fail to see where Kheidra is needed.