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There is a lot of speculation about whether Real Madrid will sign Trent Alexander-Arnold from Liverpool this January, but the only reinforcement the Whites will get at the back is David Alaba. The Austrian centre-back was a guaranteed starter before last December he suffered a double knee injury that kept him out for more than a year.
Looking ahead to the first match of the year against Valencia at Mestalla, Ancelotti reminded him that, after the Christmas break, his Real Madrid team has already lost twice, something that the Italian will pass on to his team. They also asked him about Vinicius’ state of mind after winning the Best award.
‘Have you lost twice after Christmas? Are the players focused?
“Thank you for telling me. I had forgotten about this. From what I have seen in the last few days, the team seems motivated and focused. Tomorrow I will tell you this, it can be an extra motivation.”
🗣️Carlo Ancelotti pic.twitter.com/oPDiqw2RPv
— Soccer Spain (@footballespana_) January 2, 2025
“Vinicius is very good. The vacations that the players have had have been good for them. He seems fresh, excited and motivated by the awards he has received in recent days. Focused on making a difference tomorrow.”
At the beginning of the season, Ancelotti had indicated that he intended to give his players mini-vacations during the season, but was prevented from doing so due to injuries. Apart from Dani Carvajal and Eder Militao, Los Blancos are in good health, and Ancelotti was asked if he would now implement that plan.
“It is possible. We’re thinking about doing something. Now we have a more complete squad, more rotations. When Alaba returns we will have the opportunity to rotate a little further back, which is the position in which we have suffered a little more. Next week he will start playing. It’s very close. Around the 20th, maybe.”
Real Madrid will face Deportiva Minera in the Copa del Rey following their clash with Valencia on Friday night, before traveling to Saudi Arabia for the Spanish Super Cup, where they will face RCD Mallorca in the semi-final. In the League, the Whites return to action on January 19 with a home clash against Las Palmas that could mark the return of Alaba.
