Ancelotti: 'We held on, we suffered and we were committed'

Carlo Ancelotti appeared before the media in the press room at the Reale Arena and analysed Real Madrid's victory over Real Sociedad on LaLiga matchday five: ’It was a complicated game and we probably didn't deserve to win because Real Sociedad played very well, but we held on, we suffered and we were committed, which I value very highly. You can't always find sacrifice in a team with so much quality and today we did.'

‘We are not at 100%, but individually the players are improving a lot. We're very happy because the important thing was to get off to a good start in this run of matches, of which there are many. When you're missing four midfielders and we're not at 100% it's very difficult to find the balance. The work of the midfielders who played today, Modrić, Valverde and Arda Güler was very good, something I value very much.'

Satisfied
'I come away very satisfied overall, but we have to make the necessary criticism in order to improve. This match is a great opportunity for us to critically assess what didn't go well, but we picked up three more points in the standings, which is the most important thing.'

Bringing the ball out
‘It wasn't good. They pressed very well in our half and we weren't always able to find the free player.'

Brahim and Militão
‘Militão is not hurt. I think I'm going to rotate in the centre-back position in the next few games. Today we were in a bit of a fix because we were missing most of the midfield. In the upcoming matches we'll be able to rotate a bit more. Meanwhile, Brahim has an abductor problem and we'll get him checked out him tomorrow.'

Mbappé
‘He looks fresher and more active. He's very dangerous on the ball, he's improving a lot and I liked his game a lot tonight. He's also combining very well with Vini Jr.'

The penalties
‘I didn't see the second penalty. When the referee went to the VAR he saw it better and I don't think he had any doubts when it came to awarding it. The first one was scored by Vini Jr. and the second one they decided that Mbappé should take. They share the responsibility of taking them and they're doing a good job.'