MADRID: Real Madrid have already secured their 36th LaLiga title but head coach Carlo Ancelotti is keen to make the most of the remaining games in the build-up to next month’s Champions League final against Borussia Dortmund.
He said Tuesday’s home match against mid-table Alaves was part of their preparations as they attempt to win a third trophy this season, having also lifted the Spanish Super Cup in January.
“We have to take advantage of these games in order to build some momentum,” Ancelotti told reporters on Monday following Real’s 4-0 victory at Granada on Saturday.
“Those who were rested against Granada will play tomorrow. We’ll use it to get into a rhythm and good motivation ... the aim is for the whole squad to be at full strength.”
Ancelotti said the matches will give players like goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois and defender Eder Militao, who have recently returned from injury, game time before the June 1 final.
“[Militao] needs to play more minutes. He’s progressing very well, he’s getting better every game. Hopefully he can be at his best for the final,” added the Italian.
The Italian coach kept his cards close to his chest on one of the big selection discussions ahead of the final — who he will select in goal.
Like Militao, Courtois has recently returned from a long injury lay-off, while stand-in Andriy Lunin has excelled in Real’s run to the final.
“Lunin has had a great season and Courtois is the best in the world,” said Ancelotti. “In the week before the final we will take the decision.”
Ancelotti also said injured midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni was ‘not ruled out’ from competing in the Champions League final.
France international Tchouameni, 24, sustained the injury in the semi-final win over Bayern Munich and last October missed six weeks with another foot issue.
“He doesn’t have much chance, but he’s not ruled out for the final,” Ancelotti told a news conference. “Now he has an important week, his foot does not hurt a lot, I think it’s different from the last problem he had in the foot. He’s not ruled out, he could return for the final.”
Pivot Tchouameni has played an important role for Real this season, filling in at centre-back to cover for other players’ absences.
Real, unbeaten in all competitions since January, have 90 points from 35 games, 15 points clear of second-placed Girona, with three La Liga matches left.
“After the game against Alaves I’m going to give them three days’ rest,” Ancelotti said. “We’ll then have two weeks to prepare well for the final, but the team needs to rest after such a demanding season.”
Published in Dawn, May 14th, 2024
