Kroos is tired to play, but will play, says Ancelotti

Thegoalmac can reveal that Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti insists Toni Kroos will play in Saturday's meeting with Malaga despite the midfielder's claims he is tired.

While acknowledging the wariness of his players, Ancelotti is not prepared to rotate for this weekend's clash with Malaga as Real eye a club-record 16th win in a row.


"I see the tiredness of the team," he said on Friday. "They have recovered very well. We will do some rotations next week in the cup match against Cornella.
"We need Kroos, but he may rest next week

"We have Asier Illarramendi to replace Kroos now he has come back from an injury, and he played very well against Basel in the Champions League on Wednesday.
"We will have no problem swapping Kroos for Illarramendi."

Sami Khedira remains unavailable for selection due to a knee injury, but Ancelotti is adamant that he would like to see the World Cup winner stay at the club beyond his current contract, which expires at the end of the season.

"Khedira is still not ready to play, he needs some more days to work on his fitness," the Italian said. "I think he will be ready next week.

"The will of the club is to extend his contract. We need him, I have great confidence in Khedira.
"He will put aside his physical problems and play for us."