Athletic Bilbao vs Real Madrid preview - Ancelotti shrugs off criticism

Posted Saturday, March 07, 2015 by PA

Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has played down the unrest from a section of the club's fans as the European champions look to return to winning ways at Athletic Bilbao on Saturday.

A portion of the Bernabeu faithful jeered last weekend at Ancelotti's decision to take off the attack-minded Isco and replace him with defensive midfielder Asier Illarramendi 12 minutes from time and with the hosts chasing a winner against Villarreal.

The match finished 1-1, meaning the capital club ended the weekend just two points ahead of arch-rivals Barcelona at the Primera Division summit, but Ancelotti stood by the call and was upbeat about his side's prospects at San Mames on Saturday.

"I've seen the team work hard and prepare well for (Saturday's) match," the Italian said at his pre-match press conference, quoted on www.realmadrid.com.

"I'm used to criticism. It won't be the last time it happens, and it doesn't change how I operate or the confidence I have in this team.

"The substitution of Illarra for Isco against Villarreal is one I would do again. I think that Illarra brought balance."

Athletic head into the game in mid-table but buoyed by having reached the Copa del Rey final in midweek, courtesy of a 2-0 victory over Espanyol at the Estadi Cornella-El Prat in the second leg of their semi-final.

"The key factors are intensity and managing to break free from the pressure Athletic exert at home," Ancelotti added of Saturday's opponents.

"Winning at San Mames is always difficult. We'll have to give the maximum effort to get the three points.

"We have an identity and the players always show the maximum attitude levels. The team are used to playing this way and we have to keep on doing this. It's our philosophy and it's the key to winning trophies. We're doing it very well."

"Every match has its own story. In some you start well and in others not so well. In some you don't start with your intensity at 100 per cent and you feel you're going to sort it out - they're things that happen in football.

"(On Saturday) we need to start well, because it's going to be a very intense game. Athletic press very well. The players are going to give it a good go."

James Rodriguez and Sergio Ramos remain out injured along with Luka Modric, but Ancelotti said the Croatia midfielder would be back in the squad for Tuesday's Champions League game against Schalke.

Athletic go into the weekend in 10th spot on 30 points from 25 games and with coach Ernesto Valverde knowing the task ahead of his side.

"We will try to compensate for the difference between Real Madrid and ourselves with with enthusiasm and effort," he was quoted as saying at his pre-match press conference.

"We want to add four wins as soon as possible and start looking up."