Ancelotti: Isco can replac Modric

The Italian coach is certain he st
has plenty of options even
without numerous key players
and is optimistic about Real
Madrid's chances versus Atletico
Carlo Ancelotti is confident Real Madrid have the
strength in depth to cope with the injuries of Lu
Modric, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema as they
prepare for the second leg of their Champions
League quarter-final tie with Atletico Madrid.
The Santiago Bernabeu side recorded a scoreles
draw against their city rivals last week and will
have to make do without a number of first-tea
regulars in Wednesday's return leg on home so
Ancelotti remains unperturbed, though, and feel
Isco can replace Modric in midfield, while singlin
out Jese and Chicharito as potential starters in th
absence of Benzema and Bale.
"We are missing some important players but it'
impossible for us to be more motivated than w
are. We have to live with injuries. We did it in th
past and it will not hurt our confidence," Ancelot
said at a press conference.
"Isco has played in Modric's position before and
he did very well there. We have plenty of optio
even without Bale and Benzema. There's James,
Jese and Chicharito. James has been doing great
both on the right and in midfield. Chicharito is in
fine shape as well, both physically and mentally.
"I will choose the best possible line-up. I will
select players that will help the team to play like
we did in the first leg. I have the best squad in t
world in my opinion."
The Madrid coach then went on to stress that th
reigning European champions are expecting to
reach the final four.
"Atletico have a very strong defence but we are
confident that we can beat them. We have to
repeat our performance at their stadium. We ar
ready for any outcome. However, It's very
complicated to practice a penalty shootout.
"I think it will be an even match, we will focus o
playing well for the entire 90 minutes. We have
to stick to our strategy and apply it on the field.
will be an important game for all: the club, the
players and the fans - we have a chance to reac
the semi-finals."
Ancelotti also took the time to discuss Antoine
Griezmann's fine performances in recent weeks
and he admitted the Frenchman could cause
Madrid problems.
"Griezmann is a very dangerous player who ha
been in fine form. We will have to be very caref
with him and cannot lose focus."