Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti insisted at a news conference ahead of Saturday’s El Clásico that Real Madrid are not planning to make any new signings.
“Yes, it is enough (having just one pure ‘9’, Joselu),” he said. “We are complete. Up front, the new players like Joselu and Brahim are doing very well, and they have shown that they can contribute.”
In the middle of rumours regarding Kylian Mbappé’s signing, the Italian was asked again about PSG’s striker: “It doesn’t bother me (being asked about it). I just don’t answer.”
Ancelotti also confirmed the absence of Arda Güler, who is not training with the group, for the match against Barcelona. The Turkish midfielder will be the only absentee. The club has informed that it is due to an overload, but The Athletic has learned that it is due to a knee problem.
Ancelotti analyzed the tactical variations he has with his star signing, Jude Bellingham:
“I know perfectly well that he can play inside in a 4-3-3, on the right or left — there will be games where we will play like that, with a striker, which will be Joselu, and there he will play in midfield,” Ancelotti said.
On Xavi’s complaints about Arsenal’s intensity, the Italian coach was clear: “Madrid will try to play their best game, bearing in mind that we are in preseason and that we will have a very strong opponent, with a lot of quality. The result is the least important thing.”
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