Ancelotti: “Cristiano's talent is out of this world”

“The first half was perfect; we played very well, we were fast and effective”, the Italian manager stated in the press room

Javier García

After the goalfest against Real Sociedad, Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the press to express his satisfaction with the team's game. The Whites coach discussed his players' performance and praised the first 45 minutes: “The first half was perfect, they played very well, they were fast and effective, playing in short and long distances. The team played very well”. He also had words of praise for the man of the match: “Cristiano's talent puts him in a different category altogether, it's out of this world. He scores so regularly and with such incredible ease. “It's hard to find new words to describe him”.

Real Madrid gave another great display in attack to beat Real Sociedad 5-1. Ancelotti also valued his team's work in defense: “They did very well in the first half. The pace slowed in the second after reaching 4-0; it's normal. We had other problems. Both wing backs were very important in defense”. Asked whether this is his definitive opening line-up, he replied: “They're playing well now, but I haven't forgotten that we have very good players on the bench. Di Maria, Isco, Ramos… I can't say that this is the starting line-up. At the moment the team has found a good balance and is very dangerous in attack”.

The Italian also spoke of various individual players. He said of Khedira: “He's a Real Madrid player and he has the talent to play in this team. He plays consistently and helps the team. All three of them today- Khedria, Modric and Xabi Alonso- played well and worked well together”. He had the following to say of Alonso: “I've said many times that Xabi Alonso has the experience and talent to play they way we have to. He has a great eye for play and is very important”.

The coach was asked specifically whether Modric, Khedira and Alonso will be his opening midfield: “I have players in the squad who are going to be very important in upcoming matches. When Di Maria played he did a great job, Isco too. All three midfielders are doing a good job, they have different qualities, but we can play well with other midfielders”.

Ancelotti was clear on whether 4-3-3 is the best playing formation: “A team has to make the most of its players' qualities, have them playing where they feel comfortable. There isn't a winning or losing system, but one that adapts to the players' qualities”.

Lastly, he referred to the players on the squad who face international matches over the coming days: “The players were focused on this match. We're behind on the table and we need to win and keep up with the others. They're going to play important matches with their national sides and I wish them lots of luck. I think they started to think about those committments once this match finished”.