Ancelotti in no rush over Real Madrid contract talks

Posted Wednesday, November 26, 2014 by Goal.com

The Blancos boss insists that his sole concern at the moment is beating Basel in order to progress to the last 16 of the Champions League as group winners

Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti says neither he nor the club are in any great rush to resolve his contractual situation.

The Italian revealed in recent days that talks are under way to extend his current deal with the club , which is due to expire in 2016.

"There's no news, we haven't talked about it. There are important matches and we need to be focused on them. Neither myself nor the club are in any rush. There will be time to talk about it," he told reporters on Tuesday.

Ancelotti says he will not name a second-string line-up for the clash with Basel on Wednesday - despite his side having already secured their place in the last 16.

"I will only change a few things from the Eibar game [in La Liga last weekend]," the former AC Milan boss explained. "I have particular doubts over the wide positions

"It'll be an interesting game, as all the Champions League games are. We both need the points. There will be intensity."

With Luka Modric ruled out with injury, Ancelotti is ready to give game time to Asier Illarramendi, with the former Real Sociedad man approaching full fitness following his own layoff.

"He had an injury but now he's OK and naturally he's going to play," he said. "I don't know how many minutes, but he will play. What's important is he is healthy and ready to help."

Ancelotti is, however, unlikely to start Javier Hernandez as he looks to keep faith with the side which has stormed through the group so far.

"Chicharito has done quite well when he has played. He doesn't play due to a technical decision. The team is well. We are already qualified but we need to win and play well to get the first place," he continued.

Ancelotti went on to praise the recent form of Isco and called on the Spain starlet and the rest of his squad to keep their motivation levels high as they approach a new record run of 14 consecutive victories.

"Isco is in a great moment. We have said so many times. He shows a great attitude when he plays. He is a fighter, runs so much and works for the team," he added.

"Motivation is doing your best in every game, as it can be a problem depending on the period. Motivation is to keep on fighting, keep running ... We need to keep being motivated.

"The most important thing for us is playing well. If we reached this level it is because we prepare our games the best we can. We don't about in records, but we can break them if we work as we are doing."