Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti is optimistic that the brief preparation time following their unexpected Champions League defeat to Lille will be sufficient for his team to bounce back. After a 1-0 loss against the French side, which ended their impressive 36-game unbeaten streak across all competitions, Ancelotti acknowledges the need for a swift turnaround as they gear up to face Villarreal in La Liga on Saturday. The defeat, marked by Jonathan David’s penalty, served as a wake-up call for the reigning European champions.
Reflecting on the upcoming match, Ancelotti emphasized the importance of reestablishing their form. "Villarreal are doing really well; tomorrow presents us with an opportunity to reconnect and return to playing quality football," he stated in a press conference. He noted that the mood within the squad remains positive, asserting that the recent loss could serve as a catalyst for improvement. "This defeat can be a valuable lesson if we respond appropriately," he added, highlighting the team’s self-critical approach and the need to quickly regain focus.
Ancelotti also remarked on the challenges his team faces, stating, "Sometimes, a successful run can create a false sense of invincibility, but a defeat brings you back to reality." He pointed out that while the squad is not far from achieving their goals, they are currently lacking defensive intensity and the ability to circulate the ball effectively in attack. Despite their struggles, Real Madrid remains in a strong position, sitting second in the Spanish league with 18 points, trailing only Barcelona and holding a slim lead over Villarreal.
Looking ahead, Ancelotti is hopeful about integrating Kylian Mbappe back into the starting lineup after the forward missed the recent derby against Atletico due to a hamstring issue. Having trained normally ahead of the Villarreal match, Mbappe's return is expected to bolster the team's attacking options. "We need to improve our speed in delivering the ball to our forwards and address our defensive lapses," Ancelotti concluded, expressing confidence in the squad's potential to recover and compete at a high level once more.
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