Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has claimed that his club can challenge for the LaLiga title despite not bringing in new reinforcements. The reigning Spanish champions only bought two new players during the current campaign, both in the summer.

“We didn’t go to the transfer market because we didn’t need to,” stated Ancelotti stated at a press conference on Wednesday. “The planning is done in the summer and if you plan well, that allows you to avoid going into the winter transfer window. That’s what we’ve done.”

“Buying in the winter market means that there’s been an injury or bad planning. We decided it wasn’t necessary as the squad is fine.”

Positive injury update from the club

Real currently have four players sidelined due to various injuries. However, Ancelotti has revealed that three of these players will return to action soon. “They’re both doing well,” responded the manager when asked specifically about Dani Carvajal and Aurelien Tchouameni. “Their recovery program has been long, but they’re ready to play and are 100 per cent.”

Ancelotti also gave a positive update on David Alaba as well. The coach claimed that the veteran defender should be available for selection within the next week. Alaba will not be fit in time for a matchup with Valencia on Thursday, but could face Mallorca on Sunday or the start of the Club World Cup next week.

Coach promises to ‘fight until the end’ for the title

Reporters also asked the manager directly if Real could catch rivals Barcelona atop the league standings. Barca is currently five points clear in the table. “We’ve made some mistakes. You can always do better,” Ancelotti replied. “We’re going at the same rhythm as last year [when Madrid won the league] but Barcelona have done much better.”

“I don’t know if it’s a lot of points or not, but right now we’re confident that we can fight until the end, in every competition. A difficult January was predictable. Now the good part starts for us.”

February could also prove to be difficult for the club as well. Because of the Club World Cup schedule, Real could play eight times during the month. This includes a Champions League round of 16 trip to Liverpool and a Madrid derby with Atletico Madrid.

Photo: IMAGO / ZUMA Wire