Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has praised the response of his players to the injuries that have hit the team this season, claiming they have never complained about the situation.
Los Blancos have lost several key players to injuries both long and short term such as Thibaut Courtois, Kepa Arrizabalaga, David Alaba, Eder Militao, Ferland Mendy, Jude Bellingham, Vinicius Junior, Eduardo Camavinga, Aurelien Tchouameni and others.
Despite these setbacks, Madrid remained sky-high in performance and have lifted a record-extending 36th La Liga title while reaching their 18th Champions League after defeating Bayern Munich 4-3 on aggregate in the semi-finals.
“We have had all sorts of problems with injuries. Everyone talks about Courtois, Alaba and Militao, but we’ve also lost Vini Jr., Tchouameni, and Camavinga at different stages to injury. We’ve never complained and the team has just turned those problems into a chance to show the value of this squad,” Ancelotti said.
“We have an extraordinary atmosphere. We’re delighted with what we’ve been able to achieve so far. We’re in for some amazing days! I’ll have to get ready for them.”
✅ Two goals
✅ #APorLa15 pic.twitter.com/WTFHJcgsz2— Real Madrid C.F. 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) May 8, 2024
Speaking on Joselu who scored a brace in Wednesday’s second leg victory after going behind, Ancelotti said: “He’s a reflection of the team because he has contributed so much this season. He hasn’t had a lot of game time but he’s the perfect reflection of what this team is all about. He has given us so much, without ever losing confidence in what he’s capable of.”
While on Vinicius Junior who caused Bayern all manner of problems, Ancelotti stated: “Very few players are capable of doing what he’s done in this semi-final. We now have a final ahead of us and he’ll be a key player. What he has been able to do in the first and second leg is not very common at all.”
Real Madrid will get to face Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League final on June 1.
