Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the press after a convincing 4-1 win over Espanyol, taking him to 38 consecutive league games without defeat. Speaking about Endrick’s quality and whether he is being treated unfairly, he said: “On the one hand, yes, I may be unfair, because he trains well; he is someone with a lot of quality. But ahead of him are Vinicius, Rodrygo, Mbappé… it is necessary for him to have a little patience.”

Ancelotti on the team’s overall performance

“We started well and reacted well after the 0-1. It was complete. We played better than in other games; with more rhythm and creating more chances. I am happy.”

Ancelotti on the team’s reaction to a very tight defense

“We played faster up front, played faster and made better movements. We covered the area well. We didn’t have a striker who could set up the position, but we came fantastically from the back. Mobility is, as always, an important weapon. The third goal was spectacular, on a fantastic counter. We had many shots on target and we can be satisfied. The recovery at the back was good, as was the pressure after losing the ball. We came out of the blocks with good dynamics, little by little we are returning to our best version.”

Ancelotti on sending out Jude Bellingham and Dani Carvajal

“Carvajal is injured, but it’s just a knock, nothing serious. Jude had a shoulder problem and that was solved well. He was able to play the whole game without any problems. We’ll see how he feels tomorrow, although it doesn’t seem to be anything special to worry about.”

Ancelotti at Bellingham

“He’s always played with a pad. A month ago he took it off, because it was fine, but now he has this problem again. Tonight he solved it very well, he didn’t ask for a change, because he’s never had to do that before. I don’t think it’s going to be a problem, although of course he has to take care of himself.”

Ancelotti on the unbeaten run and the goalless first halves

“This season, it’s a fact that we’ve only scored one goal in the first half. That’s striking. I spoke to the players before the game to see if I could change this dynamic. I didn’t do that, but we played with more intensity. The 38 games without a loss… confirms that this team has done well, that’s what it does.”

Ancelotti on whether Tchouameni is better as a centre-back or a pivot

“He’s a fantastic defensive pivot, someone who adapts very well to the central defender position. He has the ability to read plays. But for me he’s still a fantastic pivot.”

Ancelotti on why he chose a 4-3-3

“Today it was a 4-3-3, but we adapted to the circumstances. Because Espanyol used to play a lot with the long ball and we had to be alert to cover gaps. For example, Bellingham’s position changed a bit without the ball.”

Ancelotti on yellow cards for dissenting opinion

“This season we’ve had three really tough ones. The referees’ method has changed a bit. They’re stricter in that sense and we have to get used to that.”