Carlo Ancelotti hails Eder Militao as ‘the BEST centre-back in the world’ ahead of Real Madrid’s El Clásico clash… but admits the Brazilian ‘isn’t perfect’ and jokes that he’s ‘NOT handsome’
- Eder Militao is ‘the best centre-back in the world’, said his boss at Real Madrid
- Carlo Ancelotti spoke before the Clásico against Barcelona on Sunday
- The Italian believes that Militao is not ‘perfect’ because he sometimes loses concentration
Eder Militao is ‘the best centre-back in the world’ according to his Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, but he believes the Brazilian can improve.
The Spanish giants advanced to the Champions League quarter-finals this week after beating Liverpool, and will then face more English rivals at Chelsea.
Now Real Madrid turn their attention to domestic affairs, and that is vital, as they enter Sunday’s Clasico nine points behind Barcelona in LaLiga.
In the press conference prior to the big game, Ancelotti reiterated his earlier praise for Militao, calling him the best defender of the game.
As reported by Madrid Director, Ancelotti said: “Militao is very fast, very good one-on-one, very good with the ball and he can head very well.”
Eder Militao has been hailed as ‘the best centre-back in the world’ by his coach at Real Madrid
Carlo Ancelotti said the Brazilian ‘is not perfect’ because he sometimes loses concentration
The experienced manager also highlighted how the defender could improve and laughed as he lightly roasted the 25-year-old who was signed by Porto in 2019.
‘Maybe a flaw is that he’s not always 100 per cent focused. So I can’t say it’s perfect. Oh, and he’s not that handsome either,’ joked the Italian.
Militao joined Real Madrid four years ago and is part of the squad that has won LaLiga twice in three years, as well as last year’s Champions League.
Ancelotti also praised Vinicius Jr, believing him to be the best striker in the world, saying that he could move during Sunday’s match against Barcelona to try to have more success in the match.
Ronald Araujo has been able to prevent Vinicius from being a key presence in recent El Clásicos, something Real Madrid will try to avoid as they look to get within six points of their LaLiga title rivals.
Ancelotti said he did not think the removal of away goals would change things ahead of Chelsea.
The 63-year-old also offered his thoughts on how to take on his former club Chelsea in another Champions League duel.
Real Madrid knocked out the Blues at the same stage on their road to glory last year. However, this time, they travel to Stamford Bridge for the second leg, the reverse of the scenario in 2022.
Ancelotti said: ‘It is true that having the return games at home helped us last season. I don’t know if that’s a disadvantage this time. I think the Bernabéu will help us in the first leg. I don’t think the elimination of away goals will change much.
“Currently we have a disadvantage in the Copa del Rey and in LaLiga, but we are at the level of all those who remain in the Champions League.”