MADRID // Performances have improved, but it is too early to conclude that Real Madrid have put their early-season stutter behind them, coach Carlo Ancelotti said on Monday.
Madrid lost two Primera Liga matches in a row, at Real Sociedad and at home to Atletico Madrid, before bouncing back with a 5-1 win against FC Basel in the Uefa Champions League last week and an 8-2 rout of Deportivo La Coruna on Saturday.
Ancelotti, who is attempting to integrate new signings Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez in midfield and fix a leaky defence, said he was pleased with the way the players had reacted during their past two outings.
The Italian, in his second season in charge, said the European champions still needed “another good result to boost confidence and consistency”.
“The result against Deportivo was very good, but it could be misleading because we still have to improve certain aspects of our game,” Ancelotti said.
“We have the same problem we had last year, but our attacking game is much better.
“We have to improve in defence, but I think we are in better shape than this time last year.”
Real have conceded nine goals in their past four matches in all competitions, although their weakness in defence will not be too much of a problem if star players Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale maintain their prolific scoring form.
Ancelotti could be without first-choice centre-backs Sergio Ramos and Pepe for the visit of Elche tonight, and neither player trained with their teammates on Monday.
“Pepe has still not recovered from the small problem he has in his hamstring,” Ancelotti said. “Sergio has a foot problem and we are waiting to see if he can shake it off.”
After hosting Elche, Madrid play at Villarreal on Saturday before an away fixture at Bulgarian champions Ludogorets in the Champions League on October 1.
Meanwhile, Barcelona pair Neymar and Ivan Rakitic have picked up minor injuries that could sideline them for Wednesday’s Primera Liga game at Malaga, the league leaders said on Monday.
Brazil forward Neymar hurt an ankle and had to be substituted early in the second half of Sunday's 5-0 win at Levante, while Croatia midfielder Rakitic has a bruised foot. Both are having treatment.
How the injuries develop “will determine when they can return to training”, Barcelona said on their website.
Barca are the only team to have won their opening four Primera Liga matches this season and top the standings on 12 points, two ahead of Sevilla.
sports@thenational.ae
Follow us on Twitter at @SprtNationalUAE
