Ancelotti on City's Club of the Year: Real Madrid is the best team, I don't know the criteria for this award

Carlo Ancelotti (Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Monday was a successful night for Real Madrid as Karim Benzema won the Ballon d'Or and Thibaut Courtois won the Yashin Trophy. However, there was a surprise when Manchester City was named the best club of the year.

In Tuesday's press conference, Carlo Ancelotti was asked about this and the fact that Real Madrid came third in the vote.

"I don't know the criteria for this award", the Italian coach was quoted as saying by Marca on Wednesday.

"I don't think they don't talk about the team, because Real Madrid is the best team, who won the Champions League, but in terms of what makes the club the best, I don't know.

"I respect Manchester City and congratulate them. We had a hard time beating them in the semi-finals (last season's Champions League), only won by a narrow margin, and they won the Premier League.

"We've already won our trophy, the Champions League."

Ancelotti later praised Benzema for his achievements and also suggested that he could keep the Ballon d'Or trophy for next year if he continues to work hard.

"Although the Ballon d'Or is an individual prize, Benzema is grateful to all his teammates, who helped him show his qualities", said Ancelotti.

"He's doing well and is more of a leader now than he used to be, even if his qualities are still there.

"Now we are looking forward to the next Ballon d'Or. He can start working on the next one against Elche."

The coach was also asked about Vinicius and his eighth Ballon d'Or ranking.

"I think the eighth is fair to him", he said.

"That means he can still work to improve. That means he will be motivated to do even better."