Carlo Ancelotti appeared in the press room at Real Madrid City on the eve of the LaLiga matchday five clash with Real Sociedad, set to be played at the Reale Arena (Saturday, 9:00 pm CEST). The coach reflected: “We're aware that we're entering a very demanding period of the schedule tomorrow and we want to start strong. We've got a few players back during the international break. We always go out with all the hunger and desire to compete in every game, eager to start well against tough opposition, and I think the team is feeling good."

What do you do to get the best out of Vinicius?
“He's not at his best, but he's still a hugely important player for us, because he was decisive in winning the European Super Cup with his assist. It's true he's not scoring as often as he has done, but we're in no rush. The team has got goals, he's been involved and Vinicius' form is the last of my worries because he always works very hard and gives it his all. It's a matter of time before he gets back to his best. That said, I'm pleased with what he's doing because I can't think I'll have every player at 100% all the time. When a player isn't at 100%, the important thing is for him to give it everything he has."

Bellingham and Tchouameni
“They won't play tomorrow because it's still a bit too soon to have them back in the team. They only trained a little with the team yesterday and in the last few days but they'll be ready for Tuesday's game."

Rodrygo's comments and his position
“He has been under-appreciated in the Ballon d'Or voting and I understand his frustration there because he deserved to be on the 30-man shortlist without a doubt. Somebody has forgotten what he did in the Champions League last year, scoring in both games against City and playing a crucial role. I understand his comments. Being a bit of a utility player is a virtue, both for him and for us, because we have a player who can play in all kinds of positions and always perform at a very high level."

Are you worried he's always comparing himself to Bellingham, Vinicius or Mbappé?
“It's a source of motivation for him, to compare himself to those players. They are all equally important to me, and I'm the one who makes the decisions. I don't see any problem with it, and he's never told me he has any issues in that sense because he's never come and discussed it with me.”

Does the criticism affect Mbappé and Vini Jr., or will it improve them?
“I don't know, that's a question for them. I don't think it's affecting them, they're training very well, they seem happy. Mbappé is progressing every day but he's still not back up to full speed. The same goes for Vinicius. People forget they only began their season on August 9th. Their condition has improved with each passing game and I think they're all good and happy."

Would you spot jealousy issues in the dressing room if they were present?
“Of course I'd notice if there were any kind of problem. In our dressing room, we're not going to comment on what a player says when he's away with his national side. We still have a fantastic, healthy atmosphere in the dressing room, and players who are making progress in this sense and will have more responsibility in the team like Vinicius, Rodrygo, Valverde, Tchouameni or the other youngsters. They're not so young anymore and have to take more responsibility in the team, and they're doing just that."

Is the big doubt for the Real clash whether to play Güler or Brahim?
“That's a doubt I have. It's a good question. I could change the system as well. In the last game I played with three central midfielders and it didn't go so well, so now the doubt is whether to change the system or ask one of those players, who aren't as comfortable playing with three midfielders, to adapt."

Players' rest
“Rüdiger has had 5 days, as have others. The guys who were injured have been here doing their recovery work. Now, with 7 games in 20 days, it's good to rotate a bit. We have to keep an eye on the lads who have travelled and only got back on Thursday, let's see if they recover. Rotation will be very important in the upcoming games."

Güler's role
“He can't play in a double pivot, but he can play as an inside 8. We have to coach him because we've never done that, but he has the attributes to play that position. He's got great stamina and physical qualities, but not to play at the double pivot, because he doesn't have the attributes to defend in there."

What does he ask of a central midfielder?
“Defend and attack. It's not too complicated. When you play a 4-3-3, the inside midfielders aren't used so much in playing the ball out, they're more important with the ball in the opposition half. They have to move well between the lines, take up good positions, receive the ball and try and feed the forwards. In defensive terms, it's different to what a winger has to do, it's about coming inside and working hard defensively. The work of a defensive midfielder in a 4-3-3 is far more intense than a winger."

How is Güler coping with his second year?
“He's responding really well. He did a good job against Valladolid. He'll have more involvement, but putting him in as an undisputed starter is tough because I don't see a single undisputed starter in this squad."

On Valverde and his shyness
“Valverde is performing at a top level. I don't know if he's shy, but he's taking more responsibility in the dressing room every day. Losing players as important as Kroos, Nacho, and previously Benzema and Casemiro, is bound to have an impact on the atmosphere, but then others have really stepped up in this sense and Valverde is one of them. I don't know if he's been shy in the past but I don't see a timid player now, I see a vital player for us. He's improving every day and I'm delighted with him. Valverde has all the attributes required of a top-level central midfielder. He's smart tactically, has a fantastic engine. He's a wonderful player."

Saudi Arabian offer for Vinicius and his performance
“I don't know if there has been any offer. I speak to the players every day and we've never discussed this. He loves playing football so much, that no matter what happens externally, he won't let it affect what he's doing here, which is playing his best football."

Concern over injuries
“It's no concern to play 7 matches, because we're used to it. Evaluating fatigue is very important and the players who came back on Thursday are all under observation. The Brazilians haven't had much time to train or rest. Observation is crucial in preventing injuries. We had a load of injuries last season and we dealt with it all brilliantly. It's something we have to live with. It's normal to have injuries with this kind of schedule."

Vinicius' role for Brazil
“The issue with Brazil, and I don't want to get into this too much, is not an individual issue. It's more about a team that is struggling to find its best form. It's not a question of him playing well for Madrid and poorly for Brazil, and that's why Brazil aren't performing well. It's a more general problem. We're delighted with him. We must not forget that Vinicius has helped us win two Champions League titles. If we want him to be at his best, we have to show him love and put an arm round him here at Real Madrid.”