Ancelotti praised Valverde's performance, saying that he was key to the team's victory. He also commended the team's overall performance, noting that they played well in every aspect after the break. Ancelotti acknowledged that the team was slower in the first half but improved significantly in the second.
Ancelotti mentioned that the team had more control in the first half due to having more players in midfield, which helped them avoid the pressure they usually face from Athletic Club. However, they failed to create scoring chances because they were missing players in key positions, which was addressed in the second half. The team's aggressiveness and quick recovery in the first half were also notable, and they managed to maintain a solid and united defense, not conceding a goal.
Ancelotti also discussed his team selection, explaining that he chose a lineup to gain more control with Luka Modrić and Dani Ceballos, who played well for 60 minutes after recovering from a long injury. He then brought on Endrick and other players to bolster the attack, as they had another game coming up on Wednesday.
Regarding Vinicius Jr's performance, Ancelotti expressed his satisfaction, describing him as an extraordinary player with a fantastic attitude. He praised Vinicius for his hard work and his ability to wear down the Athletic Club's full-back in the second half. Ancelotti also appreciated Vinicius' reaction on the pitch, which he believes will be crucial in the upcoming games.