Carlo Ancelotti: Real Madrid coach advises caution after pre-season Clasico defeat to Barcelona

Carlo Ancelotti has endeavored to reassure Real Madrid fans after the team’s second loss in the United States tour following a 2-1 loss to Barcelona. This was the second loss in the space of a week after they had been beaten 1-0 by AC Milan in a match staged at Chicago’s MetLife Stadium. Pau Victor scored two goals for Barcelona while Nico Paz scored the only goal for Madrid.

However, the Italian football coach Ancelotti, who is the manager of the current UEFA Champions League holder did not want fans to be worried too much about the pre-season performance. He stressed that the tour's main purpose is to ensure players are back in shape.

“Let’s not go crazy,” Ancelotti said after the match. ‘These are friendly matches, and we are without eight players The result is inconsequential and what is important is to have the players in good physical condition.’

Ancelotti highlighted the focus on physical conditioning over tactical work during the tour. "We're not focusing on tactical issues at this stage. It's about putting the players who are working now in good condition," he explained. "We will start working on tactics from August 7th."

Veteran midfielder Luka Modric, who will turn 39 in September, managed to play the full 90 minutes. Brazilian stars Eder Militao and Vinicius Junior also featured, despite their early exit from the Copa America following a penalty shootout defeat to Uruguay. Endrick, the 18-year-old newcomer from Palmeiras, started up front, supported by Brahim Diaz and Turkish prodigy Arda Guler.

Barcelona, managed by Hansi Flick, fielded Robert Lewandowski as the spearhead of a young team, with Ilkay Gundogan and Raphinha coming off the bench. Meanwhile, Rodrygo remained an unused substitute for Madrid.

"He has returned well and has the physical capacity to play," Ancelotti said of Modric's performance. "I didn't speak to him during the game because he was fine and played until the end." Regarding Rodrygo, Ancelotti added, "[Rodrygo] was a bit tired, but I think he will be able to play half a game in the next match."

Ancelotti also commented on the condition of other players: "Militao has returned in good physical condition, and Vinicius has worked hard during his vacation, as he is in good shape. Now the players are back in good physical shape and don't need much work."

Despite the pre-season losses, Ancelotti remains confident in his team's preparation and looks forward to the upcoming season, focusing on fitness and readiness rather than the immediate results of friendly matches.

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