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Suarez move great for La Liga, says Ancelotti

Reuters

MADRID - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti believes Luis Suarez's move to Barcelona for a club record fee is a boost for La Liga, despite the damage he could cause to Real's title hopes.

Suarez looks set to make his debut for the Catalans in Saturday's first El Clasico of the season at the Santiago Bernabeu having completed a four-month ban for biting Italian defender Giorgio Chiellini at the World Cup.

However, Ancelotti insisted he would be making no special plans for the Uruguayan as his presence would not change how his side approached the game.

"I am not here to judge Luis Suarez. He has scored a lot of goals, but it doesn't change our tactics," said the Italian.

"I think for football it is good news that Suarez can play in this league. I don't know if he will play (tomorrow) because it is not my business.

"It is not my problem. Naturally I have a lot of respect for Suarez's quality, but if Suarez plays or not doesn't change their idea of how to play the game and doesn't change ours either."

While Barca will be gaining another world class talent in attack to link up with Lionel Messi and Neymar, Real will be without one of their star trio up front as Gareth Bale misses the game through injury.

"He suffered an injury a week ago and won't be available for tomorrow," added Ancelotti.

"He needs one week to rest and then he will start to train. He is one of the most important players in our squad, last year he was fantastic. It wasn't easy for him at the start but now he feels good, he knows the league and I think he will do better than last season."

Serious test

Bale's absence wasn't missed as the European champions swept aside Liverpool 3-0 at Anfield on Wednesday thanks to goals from Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Beznema.

Ancelotti recognised that facing the unbeaten La Liga leaders will be a much more serious test of his side's progress in the last couple of months after a disappointing start to the season.

And he believes the arrival of coach Luis Enrique along with a first trophy-less season in six years last year has sparked a reaction from Barcelona.

"All games against Barcelona are very difficult. The two teams are in great form, but I always have confidence, above all for what we did last Wednesday.

"I see Barcelona as a more motivated team because a new coach has come and new players. They didn't win titles last year so they are more motivated.

"I think they are playing more direct in attack and are very solid in defence."

One positive piece of injury news for Madrid is the return of Sergio Ramos. The Spanish international has missed the last four games for club and country due to a calf injury, but is expected to partner Pepe in central defence on Saturday.

"Pepe is OK, like Ramos," said Ancelotti. "He has trained well and totally recovered. I think they are going to play."

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