“We are up against a well-organised, well-prepared team, but we are on a great run, the results reflect that,” Ancelotti said.
“The atmosphere is good, there’s a good mood around the place and the players are motivated.
“We want to finish the first half of the season strongly, we’ve done really well so far.
“We’ve managed the first part of the campaign well, despite all the problems we’ve had. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but I have faith in the campaign.
“I’m pleased with what we’ve done to this point, but well aware of what is still to come because it’s a long season – there are still six months to go.”
Ancelotti’s current deal runs through to the end of the season and the veteran Italian coach has been linked with a switch to take over Brazil’s national team.
For the moment, though, the 64-year-old is just concentrating on the job in hand.
“Being Real Madrid coach is the most important thing. I hope the players will give me a Christmas present by winning the last couple of games so we can have a relaxed festive period,” Ancelotti said at a press conference.
“If the club is happy then I am too. There is no rush to renew my deal, it’s not a problem. We are here until 30 June 2024.”
