Ancelotti: "The idea is not to play on the counter attack"

Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Pepe is fit to face Betis in Real Madrid's league opener on Sunday and also hinted that there may be an opportunity for Dani Carvajal to start at right back. On the tactics that he expects to employ the Italian revealed "the idea is not to play on the counter attack".

The Italian did warn he would not be revealing his first starting line up of the season. "I am not going to give away details of my team because I have not spoken to the players yet, but it will be a competitive side", he assured.

What the coach did say cleared up a few doubts over the centre of defence where Pepe will be ready to play after recovering from problems on his return from the Portugal game in midweek. "He has had a problem with a knock he got in the international match but he was fine to train today and will play".

Worse luck has hit Xabi Alonso who, although recovered from an operation on his pelvis in June, will have to wait to make a return."Xabi Alonso is not quite fit yet to play and is not in the squad. He is very close to coming back and may be ready for the Bernabéu Trophy on Thursday and the same goes for Illarramendi", Ancelotti said.

One of the main doubts still remains over who will start at right back. "I have not decided yet, but Arbeloa played on Thursday for Spain and has had quite a journey. I think Carvajal trained well this week and he may just get the nod to play", he explained.

On the subject of Gareth Bale he said: "The top players make a team better. The number 11 shirt is not reserved for him; it’s just that nobody has chosen it yet".