Ancelotti says 'Untouchable' Modric, Kroos are not guaranteed starters for Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti says Toni Kroos and Luka Modric are "untouchable" at Real Madrid but neither are guaranteed starters.
will face Barcelona in the second leg of a Copa del Rey semi-final tie at Camp Nou on Wednesday. They lost the first leg with one goal.
"Kroos and Modric are untouchable but that doesn't mean they're going to play tomorrow,"
Ancelotti told reporters.
"There are many untouchables but then you have to choose an eleven. I have to think about the resources I have on the bench.
"Starting isn't the most important thing, the important thing is to be effective [the game]."
French midfielders Aurelien Tchouameni and Eduardo Camavinga have been consistent starters for Real Madrid following the World Cup. Ancelotti is aware of their qualities, but he also admitted that veteran players can be important in this match.
Ancelotti said:
"If we talk about energy, it's clear that in these games it's important.
"An effective start from above can also give you an advantage. there's a lot of pressure in these games, the experience of veterans can be important".
The 33-year-old Kroos and the 37-year-old Modric are set to be free agents at the end of the season, and their future is uncertain despite the club’s efforts to extend their contracts for another year.
"I see the players every day and they are very focused. It can be thought that when a contract ends it can affect them,"
Ancelotti said.
"It doesn't affect them and I don't have to tell them anything because they are very professional.
"Each one has to evaluate the role they have. It is the discussion that a player has to make and if they want to renew it is because they like the role they have."
Ancelotti also said he will not discuss his team selection with all the players left out of his starting XI.
He added:
"Nothing special. I cannot talk to every single player who is not going to start.
"If they need to talk, my door is always open, but this group of players do not ask about explanations, they understand the situation, the moment.
"There are a lot of players who are very important, and the door will always be open to them."
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