Ancelotti: “I prefer Alaba at centre-back”

Real Madrid earned a 1-0 victory over Real Betis on Saturday night and Carlo Ancelotti was pleased with the win, although he again called for more intensity in defence.

Speaking after the win in Seville, the coach said: “We controlled the match quite well, although we lacked something in defence in the first half. The intensity went up in the second half. I think we can still play with more intensity. It was more even in the first half, but then we had a great assist from Benzema to Carvajal to win the match. We’ve had a positive start to the season, but we can still improve. I’m quite satisfied so far. I think we can be more intense in defence.”

There was one very interesting question, which only received a two-word answer, as the Italian was directly asked if he prefers David Alava at left-back or at centre-back. “Centre-back,” was Ancelotti’s very clear two-word response.

Then, asked about the fact that he might be missing some players for the next game, after the international break, he responded: “It’s a strange topic. I think the players who might return on Saturday morning won’t be able to play that Saturday afternoon. But, I don’t think that’s only a problem for Real Madrid.”

Finally, Ancelotti dismissed a question about Kylian Mbappé by insisting that focus should go to Real Madrid’s victory. “If we speak about the match, that’s better, as the rest is a club matter,” he said.