Carlo Ancelotti Chooses Kepa As Main Goalkeeper Despite Mistakes

JAKARTA - Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that there is no debate within the club about the main goalkeeper. Andriy Lunin and Kepa Arrizabalaga have alternated in that position in recent weeks, but Ancelotti insists that goalkeeper elections are still his personal decisions.

Ancelotti membenarkan bahwa baik Kepa maupun Lunin pernah melakukan kesalahan yang mendapat sorotan, terutama setelah Lunin melakukan blunder yang turut menyebabkan kekalahan Real Madrid dari Atletico Madrid dalam Copa del Rey pekan lalu. Ancelotti mengonfirmasi bahwa Kepa akan kembali menjadi kiper utama dalam pertandingan LaLiga melawan Almoria.

"At the goalkeeper no one is perfect. There are mistakes and both Kepa and Lunin have done it," Ancelotti told a news conference. "There is no debate in the team. I chose the goalkeeper, and that's done."

After the defeat to Atletico, several Real Madrid players received criticism, including Aurelien Tchouameni who was deemed to have played in Antoine Griezmann's goal. Ancelotti admits that Tchouameni can perform better, but he believes his squad remains in good condition.

"Tchouameni performed at his best level in the Spanish Super Cup final. He didn't play from the start in that game, because he was tired. He tried to help when he entered, and could have been better in Griezmann's goal," added Ancelotti.

Real Madrid have only suffered one defeat at LaLiga this season but are in second place, one point behind leaders Girona. Ancelotti and his team welcome Almoria, who are at the bottom of the standings with just six points from 20 matches.

"This is an important moment this season because we have five Premier League games before the Champions League returns in February. We are focused on tomorrow's game and facing a team that has six points. They deserve respect and quality. They are still alive, and tomorrow they will fight to win. We have to be ready," said Ancelotti.