Ancelotti: "Di Maria isn't as skilful as Ozil, but I preferred Angel"

Posted Saturday, October 26, 2013 by Marca.com

Ancelotti:

Carlo Ancelotti appeared on Thursday's 'El larguero' programme on Cadena Ser radio, where he analysed current events at Real Madrid. The Italian is aware there is room for improvement: "The plan is clear: to win playing great football. Right now we're winning, but our football isn't great. "

In order to put his plan into action he needs Alonso back: "Xabi has everything we need to improve the team. Illarramendi is doing a great job but he's very young, he lacks experience, he hasn't played in the Champions League before... we’ll improve a lot with Alonso." Ancelotti:

The Madrid coach backs both his keepers: "I already knew Diego López. We tried to bring him to AC Milan when he was at Villarreal back in 2006. In terms of quality, Casillas deserves to play as much as Diego López." That said, Carletto does not think that his captain is considering leaving the club in January: "That isn't a question for me, but I don't think Iker is thinking about that."

The Real Madrid manager accepted that Özil's departure to Arsenal was his decision and he explained why he decided to keep Di María in the squad: "To maintain the team's balance I preferred Di María. Ángel isn't as skilful as Özil, but in terms of character and what he brings to the team I wanted Di María".

Ancelotti revealed his footballing philosophy during an interview with the 'El Larguero' programme on Spanish radio's Cadena Ser: "I'm more like Del Bosque than Mourinho". On the relationship between coach and player, the Italian said: "I believe a coach should adapt to his players; you have to get to know your players well and then give them a system they're comfortable in". Ancelotti:

Ancelotti wants to be close to his charges: "I wasn't surprised the players wanted to meet with me, I am very interested in their opinion". The Italian praised Ronaldo: "I've been surprised by Cristiano's professionalism, he's very responsible, he pays attention to all the details. He's not just the player who scores, he's the one that motivates and helps the other players".

Regarding Bale's fitness after following a specific training plan during the international break, he said: "He's fine now, he was training on his own while the international matches were going on and is now ready to play from the start". Heading into the Barcelona match, he claimed "Barça is playing with more confidence, more naturally, because it has hardly changed anything".

Ancelotti also had words of praise for the Spanish spirit: "The Spanish are like the Italians, they are positive people; the French are more negative."

Finally, the Italian said he understands the Real fans' impatience: "It's completely normal for the Bernabéu crowd to expect a lot. That should be a motivating factor, not a problem".

The Italian cannot wait for the 'clásico' against Barça: "This type of game is easier because the players are very motivated. The problem is the opposition's strength. I hope that the game goes as planned on Saturday."