Mueez Ajao
– Carlo Ancelotti has denied that the continued speculation about the signing of Kylian Mbappe is becoming a distraction for Real Madrid as they prepare to face Liverpool in the Champions League final.
– Madrid host Real Betis at the Santiago Bernabeu on Friday in their last league game of the season — having wrapped up the LaLiga title last month — and will then focus on the final in Paris on Saturday, May 28.
– Mbappe has still not confirmed where he will play next season, although his club Paris Saint-Germain had given up on agreeing a contract extension with the forward and expected him to join Madrid this summer.
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– “We’re used to these things,” Ancelotti said in a news conference on Thursday.
– “We’re focused. The atmosphere is very good. What happens outside, and what’s talked about, doesn’t affect us at all.
– “Nobody asks me about [Mbappe]. I spend my time at [Madrid’s training ground] Valdebebas, in my car and at home. Sometimes I like to go to Madrid’s good restaurants, but nobody asks me about that… The only thing I have in mind is the final.”
– While Real Madrid have been able to look towards the Champions League final since they secured the LaLiga title on April 30 — with Ancelotti resting key players such as Karim Benzema and Luka Modric — Liverpool are still caught up in a tense Premier League title race with Manchester City.
– “Liverpool have had more difficulties than us, playing important matches,” Ancelotti said. “We have had more time to think about it, but in the end I don’t think it will affect the teams.”
– The manager said he wasn’t sure if Gareth Bale — who will leave Madrid when his contract expires next month after nine years — was fit enough to be involved against Betis in what would be his last game at the Bernabeu, despite being called up by Wales on Thursday.
– “Bale trained today. He isn’t 100% yet. [Friday] we’ll see if he’s on the bench,” Ancelotti said. “Everyone knows his contract is up. Whether he plays or not tomorrow isn’t important… He’s a player who has written important chapters in the history of this club and everyone recognises that.”
