Ancelotti doesn't want war with Simeone: If he says we defended well in low block I say thank you, it's a compliment

Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his gratitude following Diego Simeone's remarks praising Real Madrid's defensive low block in the Madrid derby on Sunday night.

Los Blancos were clinical enough to convert their only two chances in the game and grabbed a 2-1 victory over Atletico Madrid at the Estadio Wanda Metropolitano.

"Yes, we defended with a low block and we are used to it," Ancelotti said after the derby.

"We avoided [Antoine] Griezmann or Joao Felix hitting on the counter, the low block allowed us to control them well. If Simeone says that we defended well in low block I say thank you, it's a compliment."

Despite Karim Benzema's absence through injury, Rodrygo Goes and Fede Valverde scored one each to lead Real Madrid to victory, with Ancelotti praising both his players.

"They are both very special players because they are what the modern footballer has to be," Ancelotti added.

"One has to play in different positions, has to be physical, technical. They have both progressed a lot and we are delighted because they are doing very well.

"I think we've replaced Karim well. We have done well, everyone who has played in this position has done well. Today Rodrygo scored a spectacular goal.

"What has emerged is that the squad is very competitive without Karim, the most important player in the squad.

"There are things that can be improved, that's normal, but the reality is that I can't ask for more from this team. We have won every game so far. I am very happy and proud to coach these players."

Ancelotti saluda a Morata al final del partido. EFE

Ancelotti went on to claim that despite Real Madrid's solid start to the season, the 2022/23 campaign is unpredictable due to the winter break for the 2022 World Cup.

"Barcelona are doing very well, we are doing very well, Atletico have lost to us," Ancelotti declared.

"This season is very strange, you don't know what can happen after the World Cup. What happened to Atletico can happen to us. It's a more competitive league."

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