Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti on injury to Barcelona star Marc Bernal – “That's what happens…”
Manager of Real Madrid Carlo Ancelotti paid tribute to Sven Goran Eriksson and Juan Izquierdo before the start of their press conference on Wednesday as Blancos prepare for their clash with Las Palmas. Ancelotti lamented the injury suffered by Marc Bernalafter the Barcelona midfielder went down with an anterior cruciate ligament injury against Rayo Vallecano.
Los Blancos suffered two serious injuries at the start of the season last year, when Thibaut Courtois and Eder Militao went down last year in the space of three days. They are still waiting for David Alaba to recover from an ACL tear at the beginning of 2024. Speaking to the media, Ancelotti explained that it was a product of the congestion of equipment in the football calendar.
“This is what happens when the schedule is too tight and there is no time to prepare. You have to choose between work or holidays. And when these are over, they get ten to eleven months of work. That's a lot. In August l 'intensity is maximum and you are caught without adequate preparation. It is a problem for everyone … and it is very sad.'
Iñigo Martínez, Héctor Fort, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal showing support for Marc Bernal. pic.twitter.com/WBUPP8JTTr
— Barcacentre (@barcacentre) August 28, 2024
That was before it was made public that Bernal had not only torn his ACL, but also damaged his meniscus. He was also asked to bring in Dani Olmo due to Andreas Christensen's injury, but Ancelotti refused to be drafted in amid controversy.
“That's a question you have to ask LaLiga, we respect all the players and all the teams.”
“He continues his progression, today is the first day he is out to run. The most important thing is to be patient with him.”
Carlo Ancelotti gives a positive update on David Alaba's recovery. #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/N9pgP9DrCT
— Football España (@footballespana_) August 28, 2024
Ancelotti also gave an update on David Alaba, who returned to running off the pitch for the first time since his injury on Wednesday. In his previous press conference, Ancelotti had called his players to let them know when they were tired, which some took as a timely message.
“It is a topic that I discussed with the players. It was not a clip around the ears, nor pointing the finger… I spoke about an important topic and I showed my opinion. Just an assessment and nothing more. The most critical thing is that we always try to find a solution.”
As for rotations to avoid injuries, Ancelotti said they will be on track when the Champions League kicks off after the September international break. The group stage will consist of 10 games instead of six this season.
“We have many resources and the idea is to make many changes. When the Champions League starts, the schedule will be tighter. We will deal with it.”
Real Madrid are back in action against Las Palmas in Gran Canaria at 21:30 CEST on Thursday night.
