Carlo Ancelotti: “I Didn’t Start Jović Because He’s Still Not Optimal After Having COVID-19”

Written by Patrick Echatah

Spanish giants Real Madrid had a tricky test against Granada on Sunday night, but they came through it and Carlo Ancelotti was glad just to take the three points.

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In his post-match press conference, Ancelotti said: “We earned these three points with a very good second half. The players did what they had to do, those who started and those who came on. We’re not going through our best run of form right now, but now we have a week to recover the players we were missing and to prepare well for the upcoming games. We’ve had six absences for this game and I think we’ll have all six of them back for the next game.”

Despite the absence of Karim Benzema, Luka Jovi was not given the starting role. Ancelotti explained that this is because the striker is still suffering from the effects of COVID-19, which he had in January. The Italian tactician said: “Jović still isn’t optimal after having had COVID-19. To put Jović from the start… well, I thought I’d put Isco. He can play better between lines, even if he doesn’t have the final product that Jović has. But, I knew I could always put Jović on later on, which is what happened. Jović did very well when he came on, bringing energy to the attack.

Ancelotti on answering his critics

After being heavily criticised in the past few days, Ancelotti was asked if he feels he deserves the credit for this win, having made decisive substitutions. But, he dismissed that and said: “Defeats are the coach’s fault and the victories are down to the players and fans. That’s normal and seems fair to me. The fans helped us a lot in the second half today and the players were committed. So, I don’t want to take the credit.”

Ancelotti on Asensio’s performance

Marco Asensio was the star man and not for the first time this season. On the Mallorcan’s performance in this game and all season, the Italian said: “He’s important, not because his name is Marco Asensio but because of what he’s doing this season. He’s working well and he’s working seriously. We won today thanks to his best quality, which is his shooting. He has done well to come back from his injury.”

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Meanwhile…

With less than 10 days to go until Real Madrid’s giant first leg clash against Paris Saint Germain in Paris, two of PSG’s stars, Sergio Ramos and Neymar, are facing fitness issues and a race against the clock.

Former Real Madrid defender Ramos, who is currently recovering from a right leg injury, is still not training fully with his team. The Spaniard worked out on his own in the gym instead.

“Sergio Ramos worked in the gym and will resume his career work in the middle of next week,” PSG stated in a medial report. “Neymar has received a therapeutic complement today, which will take him to work in the gym for 48 hours before partially resuming the routine with his teammates.”

(managingmadrid)

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