Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media at Real Madrid City and analysed his team's opener in the Copa del Rey against Deportiva Minera: “We approach this game with the same motivation as always, as it's an important competition that has brought us a lot of joy over the last few years. We respect our opponents, the shirt and the competition. We'll try to do our best and get through the tie.”

“Courtois and Rüdiger won’t be travelling. The rest will travel and can play. We've played recently and some of them will be tired. I want to give minutes to others who have played less.”

Objective in the Copa del Rey
“The Copa del Rey isn't a problem until you're out of it. When you're out of the Copa del Rey it's a problem because Real Madrid try to fight in every competition. The problem will be if we go out of the Copa del Rey. In recent years, we've done very well in this competition and playing in the final is a great thing. The aim is to reach the final, as always.”

Cartagonova
“If the pitch is good, we're not as likely to have problems and the fans can enjoy a good game. We'll try to perform well. The time of the year isn't the most suitable because it's cold.”

Will Lunin be playing in the Copa del Rey?
“He’ll be playing tomorrow. Other than that, I don't know. Courtois needs to rest and recover properly. Lunin may play in the league, in the Champions League. Lunin may not definitely play in the cup.”

Seven first-team players to be fielded in the Copa
“We must respect it and I have no problem with this provision. Of course, it has to be respected.”

Vini Jr.’s sending-off at Mestalla
“It wasn't a red card, it should've been a yellow, and so hopefully he won't be given a ban. It's hard for him, if I put myself in his shoes. It's hard to put up with everything that happens and the insults. It's not that easy, but he's trying to improve. He's sad about the red card and has apologised, but we have to look forward.”

“I see what's happening and what has happened in the stadiums with him. His attitude has improved a lot and he can still improve, but nobody is perfect. He's doing a lot of work with this and he's improved a lot, so much so that he's the best player in the world.”

Bellingham’s position
“His position on the ball has changed, which is more central compared to last season. Last season Vini Jr. was more on the inside and in the recent period we've opted to have him as a playmaker in defensive positions. The team handled the change well and with the ball they didn't change anything at all. They've always played more on the inside, with Vini Jr. more on the outside.”

The penalty takers
“I do not like the fact that we have missed penalties. I want to clarify the issue with the players before every game. I will tell them. It could be Bellingham, Mbappé, Vini Jr, Modrić, Arda Güler. Let's see how I feel about it.”

“It's a technical aspect that's very difficult to work on because the atmosphere changes during a match and in training I can't reproduce the atmosphere of a stadium.”