Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti spoke on Friday at a press conference ahead of the team’s LaLiga Santander season opener at Alaves on Saturday. There was lots to discuss, from previewing the season, talking about his squad, transfers and the hottest topics in Spanish football.

One of the Madrid players the Italian spoke about was Martin Odegaard, who will not feature this weekend as he has not been registered to play in LaLiga Santander.

“The situation with Odegaard is like with Vallejo, it’s down to where we are right now, we can’t register all of them,” Ancelotti told the press.

“Tomorrow that could change. We have until September 2 to make the final decision.

“I’ve told Odegaard that there are eight players in his position, but it’s not final. I had to choose.”

Meanwhile, Gareth Bale has been registered and it appears Ancelotti is open to giving him a second chance. Fellow forward Eden Hazard was confirmed fit and raring to go as well, but there could yet be changes in Los Blancos’ squad before the end of the transfer window.

“The squad is very good, but the window is open,” said Ancelotti.

“I can’t say that we won’t do anything. Maybe some players will ask to leave. I like the squad.”

The coach refused to be drawn on some of the names being linked with Real Madrid, such as Richarlison or Kylian Mbappe, but he did comment that the major change at rivals Barcelona had surprised him.

“It surprised me because [Messi] has been the face of Barcelona since he was a kid,” Ancelotti continued.

“But I’ve been in the football world 42 years and I’ve seen many players change teams. Battling with or without Messi doesn’t change anything, we have to fight Barcelona anyway.”

Looking further afield, the Italian was asked about the possibility of competing with mega-rich state-backed clubs in European competition.

“It’s not impossible to win the Champions League,” said Ancelotti.

“The Madrid squad is very strong, it’s a squad that can compete with the best in the world. If the players give 100 percent of their quality, we will compete against anyone.”

Real Madrid get their domestic season underway on Saturday night at Mendizorrotza when they face Alaves at 22:00 (CET)