Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti argued that the result is not important after losing the pre-season friendly 2-1 against FC Barcelona at MetLife Stadium in the United States.
Madrid lost both of their pre-season friendlies — AC Milan and Barcelona — and will now play Chelsea in their last match before facing Atlanta in the UEFA Super Cup on August 14.
Talking after the friendly, Ancelotti stressed that the results of such matches don’t matter as the goal was to give minutes to the players and get them back in shape.
"Let's not go crazy. They are pre-season games, we are missing eight players...," he said in a press conference following El Clasico. "The result is not as important for us as getting the players in good shape.
"The objective now is to give minutes and get the players who return in shape.
"We are not thinking about the tactical issue or other things, just putting the players who are working now in a good condition. On a tactical level we will work from the 7th [of August]," he explained.
Veteran midfielder Luka Modric played the full 90 minutes against Barcelona and Ancelotti was relieved to see the Croatian complete the full game.
"He has returned well and has this physical structure that allows him to play. I didn't speak to him during the game, he was fine and played until the end," Ancelotti answered.
Rodrygo did not get minutes despite completing a training session while Eder Militao started and Vinicius came into the field during the second half. Ancelotti stated that the Brazilian was a bit tired and may play 45 minutes in the next match.
“He [Rodrygo] was a bit tired but the next game I think he will be able to play half a half. Militao has returned in good physical condition and Vinicius shows that he has worked on vacation, because he is in good shape. Now the players are back in good physical shape and don't need much work," Ancelotti insisted.
