Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was a relieved
man after Isco's late header handed his side a 2-1
win over Real Betis, but he warned his side have a lot
of improving to do.
.
Real looked set to drop two vital points in the
Italian's first game in charge as they struggled to
break through in the second-half after Karim
Benzema and Jorge Molina had exchanged first-half
strikes.
.
However, despite claiming the three points thanks to
Isco's intervention four minutes from time, Ancelotti
wasn't happy with how easily Real were opened up
by Pepe Mel's side.
.
"I think we can improve, which is normal. We had
many chances to score and a lot of good
combinations, especially on the wing," said Ancelotti
who has taken over from Jose Mourinho.
.
"The problem was in defence. In the first-half we
didn't work well together and we had a lot of
problems.
.
"It was a problem of balance. There was a lot of space
between our defence and midfield and Betis played
very well in this area.
.
"If we want to play quality football, we need players
like Isco and (Mesut) Ozil to do defensive work. Right
now it is a normal problem, but they are generous
players and we need to find the balance."
.
On a typically hot August evening in the Spanish
capital both sides seemed to tire quickly as the
second-half wore on and Ancelotti believes the
number of his players involved in international
matches in midweek meant they struggled physically
more than their opponents.
.
"Nine players who played tonight were not here this
week as they were playing with their national sides
and we didn't have time to prepare. Physically, Betis
were better."
.
The former AC Milan, Chelsea and Paris Saint- Germain boss also made a big call in his first competitive game in charge by starting Diego Lopez in goal over club captain Iker Casillas.
.
Mourinho had also dropped Casillas in favour of Lopez for the last few months of last season, however Ancelotti refused to confirm that the former Villarreal keeper would be his No 1 this season.
.
"I took this decision for the match today. It was decision made on fine details and we will see what happens in the next match.
.
"I spoke with Iker, he is very professional and wanted to play which is normal and good."
That is something the coach should be able to correct in not time cos it must really be corrected. I believe he is up to the task!