Ancelotti: “The criticism for today is fair, we were bad in every aspect of the game”

Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 1-0 loss to Lille on Wednesday. In a very short press conference, Ancelotti accepted that Real Madrid were far from their best and there is a lot to learn: “The criticism is totally fair today. I accept it. We were very bad in every aspect. We showed a bad image, bad feelings. “The loss against Atletico in January helped us to change. Hopefully the same will happen now.”

Ancelotti’s thoughts on the game

“They played better. It was hard for us to get into the game. We only had chances at the end and with crosses. The team was not good. Nothing, learn from the defeat and improve. Sometimes losing is useful. It’s a very long season... and we have to improve. It seemed like we were doing it, but today we went back a bit.”

Ancelotti on the lack of intensity

“Yes. We were pretty good defensively, but we lost a lot of duels. There was order in the first half, but we lost the duels and it was difficult for us to take control, like getting into the game.”

What Ancelotti tried to do with his changes

“Playing a bit more on the outside, trying to break the line of four, but it has been very difficult. We rarely created clear opportunities, only that one from Endrick... and that’s it, until the end. But without clarity in the game, only with fighting, aerial balls. You could score, of course, but without playing well. It’s good for us. A moment of attention. Self-criticism. This is good for improving.”

Ancelotti on whether the derby has anything to do with the loss

“No, no. We played worse than our opponents. Football is not always fair and sometimes you have to realise that if they play better than you, you don’t win.”

Ancelotti on Endrick’s performance

“He did well, having a very clear chance. He lacked accuracy, but he is young and has the quality to be with us.”

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