Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of his team’s crucial La Liga clash against Valencia, discussing various topics, including the January transfer window, player updates, and the competitive title race in Spain. With the league finely poised, Real Madrid aims to start 2025 on a high note and keep pace with Atlético Madrid at the top of the table.
Ancelotti on the January Transfer Window
As speculation mounts regarding Real Madrid’s potential activity in the transfer market, including links to Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Ancelotti chose to remain tight-lipped.
“Transfers in January? We’ll see. We have many games in January, and our focus is on that,” Ancelotti said. “Talking about transfers isn’t easy right now. It’s not the right time to discuss this topic. I’m happy with my team. We’ve faced challenges, but we’ve managed to overcome them.”
The Italian manager’s comments reflect his usual pragmatic approach, prioritizing stability within the squad over mid-season disruptions.
Injury Updates and Player Fitness
Ancelotti provided an important update on the return of David Alaba, who has been sidelined since December 2023 with an ACL injury.
“David Alaba will start integrating into match settings next week and is expected to return to the pitch on January 20, which will be a huge boost for us,” Ancelotti confirmed.
The return of Alaba, a versatile defender, comes at a critical time as Real Madrid looks to solidify their backline amid a packed schedule.
On Vinícius Júnior, Ancelotti expressed optimism: “Vinícius is in excellent shape. He used the break well and returned with great enthusiasm after the awards he recently won. I expect him to make a difference in the game against Valencia.”
Valencia Match Preview: A New Challenge
Real Madrid’s first game of the new year is a rescheduled clash against Valencia, who recently appointed a new manager. Ancelotti acknowledged the potential challenges posed by their opponents.
“We want to start the year well. The match against Valencia is a challenge. It will be a tough game against a strong team that has recently changed their coach,” Ancelotti remarked. “When a team changes its coach, there’s always an extra spark. A new coach brings fresh ideas, and I expect a difficult game.”
Valencia’s renewed energy under their new manager could make this encounter more unpredictable, but Real Madrid will be determined to secure all three points.
La Liga Title Race: A Tight Contest
With Atlético Madrid leading the La Liga standings by a single point over Real Madrid and Barcelona trailing by three points with an additional game played, the title race is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in years.
“Atlético Madrid and Barcelona are strong contenders for the title,” Ancelotti stated. “Any team can face a slump, as we did in November, but the key is to recover and compete again. All three teams have an equal chance to fight for the title.”
Real Madrid’s resilience will be tested as they juggle domestic and European commitments in the coming months.
Real Madrid’s Next 10 Matches
Here’s a look at Real Madrid’s upcoming fixtures across all competitions:
- Valencia (H) – January 5, 2025, La Liga
- Deportivo Minera (A) – January 8, 2025, Copa del Rey
- Mallorca (N) – January 12, 2025, Supercopa de España Semi-Final
- Supercopa Final (if qualified) – January 15, 2025
- Las Palmas (H) – January 20, 2025, La Liga
- Athletic Bilbao (A) – January 27, 2025, La Liga
- Osasuna (H) – February 3, 2025, La Liga
- Sevilla (A) – February 10, 2025, La Liga
- Champions League Round of 16 (Leg 1) – February 14, 2025
- Atlético Madrid (H) – February 17, 2025, La Liga
This demanding schedule highlights the importance of squad depth and player rotation as Real Madrid looks to maintain their momentum in multiple competitions.
Real Madrid’s Position in La Liga
- Current Standing: 2nd place
- Points: 41
- Goals Scored: 38
- Goals Conceded: 15
Real Madrid’s attack, led by the likes of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, has been instrumental in their strong performances this season. However, their defensive solidity will be crucial as they navigate a challenging period.
Conclusion
As Real Madrid prepares for a critical stretch of fixtures, Carlo Ancelotti’s focus remains on maintaining team cohesion and managing the squad effectively. The match against Valencia presents an opportunity to start the year with a statement win, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. With players like David Alaba nearing their return and Vinícius Júnior in top form, Real Madrid fans have reasons to be optimistic about their team’s prospects in 2025.
