Real Madrid coach, Carlo Ancelotti, has stated that his team needs rest and that Cristiano Ronaldo is not in optimum condition.
The Italian has said that his team struggled against Cordoba in their first La Liga match of the season, but that winning was the most important thing in the encounter.
“There was some tiredness because since 12 August we’ve played every three days and it’s not easy to play every three days in the preseason. But the game was controlled,” he told AS. “The main thing was to start with a win, [though we] struggled. But it all turned out well.”
“We controlled the game well. We tried to mix possession and direct attack. I think we were balanced.”
Ancelotti went on to comment on Cristiano Ronaldo’s physical condition, after the Portuguese scored his first goal of the season in the 2-0 victory.
Ronaldo played his 250th game for Real Madrid and scored what was, incredibly, his 255th goal.
“He’s not in optimum condition, we aren’t yet. We’ve been working on the aerobic performance,” he added. “We need more rhythm.”
Karim Benzema scored for the first time in four months for Real Madrid to open the scoring, and Ancelotti was happy to see the Frenchman score, but also stressed that it isn’t important that he does.
“When a striker like Karim scores, everybody is happy. But I’ve always liked his quality even if he’s not scored. It would be worrying if he was in perfect condition at this stage, as for everybody.”
Ancelotti concluded the interview, by commenting on who he will be preferring in the centre of defence.
“Pepe and Ramos are a guarantee, it’s clear that not everything can go perfectly. Sometimes the person who plays makes mistakes, but we’ve got the best pair in the world.”
Real Madrid will take a short break from action to recover from their intense early season schedule and will continue their La Liga campaign, playing away to Real Sociedad on Sunday at 21:00.
Read the original article at Soccer Laduma