Carlo Ancelotti warned his Real Madrid defenders they must tighten up before an "intense" trip to Celtic after they battled to a win over Real Betis. And he has hinted that key striker Karim Benzema might be rested at Parkhead despite playing every minute of their season so far.
Ancelotti's team have started their La Liga title defence in flying form with four wins from four while also clinching the UEFA Super Cup against Eintracht Frankfurt. But there are some defensive issues simmering under the surface - they're yet to keep a clean sheet domestically and veteran boss Ancelotti is aware that could cost them in Tuesday's Champions League clash Glasgow.
Speaking after Brazilian duo Rodrygo and Vinicius Jr. gave them a 2-1 win over Betis, Ancelotti was left irked by his defence after Sergio Canales took advantage of some sleepy defending to equalise in the first half. He said: “The goal we conceded today was a big mistake, when we weren’t paying enough attention. We do need to improve these situations.”
Celtic warmed up for the mammoth Euro showdown by swatting bitter rivals Rangers 4-0 and Ancelotti is well aware of the threat they pose. He said: “They play really well, really intense. It’s a fantastic atmosphere and we are pleased to go to Glasgow to play against Celtic. It will be difficult for both teams.”
Captain Karim Benzema started and finished the 90 minutes for the fifth successive game against Betis but Ancelotti insists they have plenty of options to lead the line should they decide to rotate against Ange Postecoglou 's team. Benzema hit 44 goals in 46 games last season and has started 2022/23 with four in 5, but Ancelotti said" “It’s not true that (Benzema) doesn’t have a substitute. There’s Mariano, Hazard, Rodrygo, Asensio can play in that position. Modrić has played there too, although that didn’t go so well!
"The fact we’re playing every three days now might mean he’ll have to rest some matches. Today he wasn’t so clinical in finishing, but that wasn’t because of anything physical.”
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