Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s UCL Triumph and Bellingham’s Substitution

Real Madrid’s head coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has shed light on the reasons behind substituting midfielder Jude Bellingham during the team’s 5-1 victory over RB Salzburg in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Bellingham’s Substitution Explained

Bellingham, who had a standout performance with two assists in the first half, was taken off just past the hour mark. Ancelotti revealed that the substitution was due to a “back problem” that Bellingham was experiencing, but emphasized that it was “nothing special”. Ancelotti stated that he opted to give Bellingham and Kylian Mbappe some rest, considering the upcoming La Liga match against Real Valladolid.

Madrid’s Dominant Performance and Defensive Concerns

Despite the late goal conceded to Salzburg, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with Madrid’s overall performance, highlighting the team’s “collective commitment” as key to their success. He praised the team’s attacking prowess, acknowledging the “incredible efficiency” up front.

However, Ancelotti also acknowledged the need to address some defensive issues, emphasizing the importance of collective responsibility in this area.

Ancelotti’s Post-Match Comments

In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti expressed optimism about the team’s chances in the Champions League, particularly in light of Manchester City’s recent defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

Ancelotti remarked that eliminating City from the competition early on would be “good news” for Madrid, considering their status as one of the favorites to win the trophy.

Upcoming Challenges for Real Madrid

Real Madrid will face Real Valladolid in a late night La Liga clash on Saturday. The team currently leads the Spanish top flight by two points, but could potentially fall behind rivals Atletico Madrid if they lose to Villarreal in an earlier match.