Carlo Ancelotti unfazed by Real Madrid's pre-season struggles

The reigning Champions League winners faced a 1-0 defeat to AC Milan last week, followed by a 2-1 loss to arch-rivals Barcelona on Saturday.

Ancelotti has remained unconcerned ahead of Tuesday's match against Chelsea in Charlotte, the final game of their United States tour. He stated, "We're not worried. The result is not so important. It's pre-season games and we are missing eight players. We're working on our preparations and the players are gradually coming back to the team.

"The aim is for players to get minutes and to get them in good shape."

Real Madrid's competitive season is set to begin with a clash against Atalanta in the European Super Cup on August 14 in Warsaw. They will then start their La Liga campaign at Mallorca on August 18.

Ancelotti is confident that by August 7, he will have a complete squad, including summer signings Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, and Dani Carvajal, who are returning from their summer holidays.

"I can assure you that we are going to compete with the squad we have," Ancelotti affirmed. "We can fight for the seven titles. The calendar is very demanding but we have the quality to compete for everything; it is what the club commands."

The Italian coach also called for patience with teenage striker Endrick. The 18-year-old, who joined Madrid from Palmeiras this summer, started both of the team's games in the US but did not find the net.

Ancelotti emphasized the importance of easing pressure on the young talent. "We have to be patient with him," he said. "He has shown great quality and talent. As with [Arda] Guler last year, we don't have to put pressure on the young players.

"He has a lot of pressure behind him; he is a very much loved player all over the world, especially in Brazil, but we must be patient with these players, with young people especially."

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