Real Madrid assistant coach Davide Ancelotti spoke to the media after Real Madrid’s 1-0 win against Alaves on Sunday. Davide — filling in for his father Carlo, who was out due to suspension — talked about Kylian Mbappé’s red card. He said: “I haven’t spoken to him since. Kylian isn’t a violent kid; he’s a kid who apologized and understands what he did. It was a clear red card, and he paid the consequences. The many small offenses he’s been subjected to have made him react this way, which isn’t right. I’m not justifying him, but that’s what happened.”

Ancelotti on the match

“The win gives us confidence. We knew it wouldn’t be easy. What happened in the match made things a little more difficult for us, but winning gives us confidence for what we want to see happen next Wednesday.”

Ancelotti on whether Arsenal tie is more difficult than winning the league

“Both are difficult, and we’re going to try both. We know we have to earn it, that it’s not enough to have the quality we have, and that some things have to go well. But everyone is convinced we’re going to try in La Liga and in the Champions League as well.”

Ancelotti on Dani Ceballos

“Dani trained well, he was fully available, but his substitution was more of a time-waster. The game was crazy, and we didn’t want that at the end. He’s a player who’s done well this season and he’ll help us on Wednesday, whether he starts or not.”

Ancelotti on chants against Raul Asencio

“What’s happening is disappointing for society, but on the pitch we have to compete. We’re not the ones who have to take measures. Everyone hopes it won’t happen, but… it’s quite disappointing for society, and that’s the way it is. It’s the referee who has to activate the protocol.”

Ancelotti on being the caretaker vs Alaves

“Two years ago, my father had COVID, and he always gives me a lot of confidence; he didn’t need to tell me anything. We’ve been in communication, but he gave me freedom in the last few minutes, and if I’m here, it’s thanks to him.”