Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media the day before the Liga clash with Levante. The Italian manager analysed the next match at the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium: "Levante are a very strong team who have played well in recent matches. They have a lot of desire and confidence and we'll have to be patient because it won't be easy to play against their defensive system. We have to prepare well and play a good game, with intensity and courage".

“I see a relaxed atmosphere and the players have a lot of desire and focus. They are very aware that every match is very important and we only think about each game. It's crunch time and the general atmosphere is relaxed and motivated”.

The atmosphere in the changing room
“The team is in very good shape, both physically and mentally. After the match against Atlético the team was in good condition and we're hopeful we can handle this. There's a lot of pressure in every match”.

“The atmosphere among the players and the team that work together is very important. The most important thing is to have respect for others at work. The dinner we had was paid for by Zidane and the whole squad appreciated it. It can't always be me paying. The atmosphere is good among us and we don't have any problems, but we have to focus on the matches”.

"Except for Arbeloa, no players have had any problems and recovery was good. They're all in good shape. Pepe had a stomach problem. He started training today and he did well. The decision as to whether he will play or not will be made tomorrow”.

Arbeloa injury
“Arbeloa was unlucky because he had a problem in his knee. He has to rest for a few days and after his rest we'll see whether he can train. His absence is not good for us because he's important for his defensive ability, experience and personality. We hope he recovers well, that way he'll be fresher for the next matches”.

Xabi Alonso's return
“Xabi Alonso's return was very important for the team. It coincided with the whole team improving. Xabi Alonso is important, like the rest of the players. I'm really happy because Illarra has improved as well and has more personality. There's an internal rule against skiing and dangerous activities, but I have never seen anyone bullfighting. Illarra said sorry and he won't ever do it again”.

Confidence in Isco
“We've had more time to work with Isco. He did very well with Atlético and the national side. I'm confident he can do well. Seedorf was an attacking midfielder who with sacrifice played in this position and he was central to Milan's good play. Isco can do the same, but with the advantage that he's 10 years younger than Seedorf was at that time”.

Update on Benzema
“Benzema is alright because he feels comfortable in the team and the game. He is also training well and concentrating on work”.

Valkyrja wrote:What I don't like about Carlo is that he restricted Marcelo's game. I miss his marauding runs down the flank.

Real Madrid downed Levante to return to the top of the league. Carlo Ancelotti was satisfied with his side's win, and analysed the match in the press room at the Santiago Bernabéu: "We had the same intensity and concentration in the last few games. We played well from the first minute til the last; very efficient and with security at the back. The match was very good".

"We're in a good position in all competitions. That was the objective and we're getting there with by working. We are in an important moment of the season. There's a good atmosphere in the squad and we have to carry on as such. It is important not to think about a lot of things because the risk is to think too much. We have to be alert in every game because each match can be the most important of the season. We are on top but the season is long and the objective is to end the season up there".

"We have a small advantage but we don't think about it. We just look at the next game and try to win it. We trailed for a while and now it's our good moment, and we have to carry on that way".

Varane and Carvajal
“Varane took a knock to his tibia, it's nothing to do with his knee and it's fine. The change was only precautionary. With Carvajal we were worried, but now it seems as if he'll be back in two or three days".

Small scoreline
“We had a lot of opportunities, Keylor Navas had a top game, I'm happy with the match we played. The important thing is to win the league, it doesn't matter how you do it. I think it will go right down until the wire because there are two teams very close to us. For Real Madrid it's clear that the objectives are the three competitions".

Emilio Butragueño's opinion
“We're on a fantastic trajectory. The side is showing very good signs and dominated from the first minute. They are solid at the back and rarely give chances away. We deserved more goals, but between Navas and the woodwork it wasn't possible. We were superior and the result was a little flattering".

“We are showing great capacity. We are doing what we must, and that's the most important, and it helps us that our rivals slip up and drop points. Also the change to 4-3-3 gives us more tranquillity and calm. Modric and Xabi Alonso are very secure in play and Di María has taken on the role of a central midfielder and is helping us a lot".