Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti hails players after record breaking win Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti deflected the attention onto his players after goals from Karim Benzema and Gareth Bale brought a 2-1 win at Malaga -- and a club record 16th consecutive victory in all competitions. The hard-fought win sent Madrid (for the moment at least) five points clear at the head of the Primera Division, and also saw Ancelottis side pass the mark previously set by former coaches Miguel Munoz [1960-61] and Jose Mourinho [2011-12]. The Blancos coach told his post-match news conference that while he was happy his name would go into the record books, the real credit for the achievement should go to the players. I am very happy, it feels like a dream come true, Ancelotti said. They will give me the credit for this, but the reality is I have the good fortune to have a fantastic group of players. I have a deep admiration for these players who are working very well. Ancelotti said that his talented attack-minded players had all made sacrifices and worked hard so that the team could become so tough to beat. It is about the attitude that the players have, he said. The attitude to work defensively from players like Isco, [Toni] Kroos, James or Bale surprises me a little. But for sure the team is very compact and the players are making sacrifices. To play here is never easy, Malaga were on a good run at home before this game. Cristiano Ronaldo was unable to add to his 20 La Liga goals this season at La Rosaleda, with home keeper Carlos Kameni twice denying him from point-blank range, but the Portugal captain did provide both goals for Benzema and Bale with neat assists. Cristiano put in fantastic work, Ancelotti said. It is a bit strange for us as we are so used to seeing him score goals, but his assists were key for this win. The Italian coach then denied that Fridays club statement criticising UEFA president Michel Platini for suggesting a German World Cup winner not Ronaldo should take the 2014 Ballon DOr award was not about ensuring the superstar was happy at Madrid. Ronaldo does not need that, but the club needed to clarify its position, Ancelotti said. The night was bittersweet for former Malaga starlet Isco, who was sent off late on after picking up a second yellow card, with Ancelotti suggesting Madrid would appeal the decision to avoid a ban. I think Isco will get the red card rescinded, he said. He clearly touches the ball. I was not surprised he was applauded as he left the pitch. At this moment everybody loves him. It was too early yet to say if Benzema would miss any game with an apparent knee problem which saw him leave the action early, Ancelotti said. Benzema took a bang to his leg and was feeling it, he added. That is why we changed him.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Nov 2014 18:27:45 +0000
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