Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has said he is not frustrated by the delay in sealing Gareth Bale’s transfer and is focused on preparing for today’s La Liga match at home to Athletic Bilbao.
At a pre-training news conference, Ancelotti said he did not want to talk about the transfer market but was later drawn into responding to a question about whether the Bale saga was as frustrating for him as it has been for the media.
“I am working with my players every day, my mind is not on players who are not here because we have to work,” the Italian said. “For me absolutely it’s not frustrating,” he added. “I am happy to train with these players, if another one comes I will be happy the same. Everyone knows Bale, he is a fantastic player. Everyone knows this. I don’t know how long he will be a Tottenham player but today he is a Tottenham player.”
Bale’s possible arrival has prompted speculation it could trigger the exit of some Real players before tomorrow’s transfer deadline. They include Germany playmaker Mesut Ozil, who sulked after being substituted in last week’s 1-0 win at Granada but later said he had no plans to move on.
The future of Captain Iker Casillas, who has been replaced for the time being as Real’s first-choice goalkeeper by Diego Lopez, has also been called into question.
Brazilian midfielder Kaka has already said he wants to leave because he won’t get sufficient playing time under Ancelotti, his coach at AC Milan when he won the ‘World Player of the Year’ award in 2007.
Ancelotti said he did not think Casillas would leave. “Iker has not spoken about that to us,” he said. “I don’t think he will leave. We need two very good goalkeepers for this season and I am sure that Casillas will have a chance to play. I want to talk to him again in the next few days to explain the situation.”