Carlo Ancelotti refused to get involved in a debate with critics about why Real Madrid lost 2-5 to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup (Supercopa de Espana) final, Monday, January 13, 2025, early morning WIB.
Barcelona's second successive defeat, following a 4-0 defeat in La Liga in October 2024, has left a wave of doubt over Ancelotti's tactics and the commitment of his players.
Speaking ahead of the home game for the last 16 of the Copa del Rey against Celta Vigo, Ancelotti spoke out loud that Real Madrid's performance was not worth a debate.
"This is a press conference and not a debate. I have had a debate. My technical staff and players found the best possible solution."
"I don't think this is the right place to start a debate. I don't follow the wave of criticism that one day you are the best and the next day you are the one who cares."
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"Fortunately, thanks to my experience, I have a balance. I don't feel I am the best, but I also don't feel like I am the one to blame," Ancelotti said on Thursday, January 16, 2025.
Ancelotti believes there is no need for an overreaction as Real Madrid are only one point behind La Liga leaders Atletico Madrid. They also still have a chance in the Champions League and Copa del Rey.
"It was a step back. However, we have to look forward because it is still in a good position in some events."
"It (the defeat from Barcelona) was very painful for us, but it didn't make us sink," said the Italian coach.
Furthermore, Ancelotti pointed out that Real Madrid did not falter despite losing one of the titles this season.
He emphasized that there are other titles in front of which are worth fighting for.
"Obviously it was a bad game, we made a lot of mistakes. We analyzed it, evaluated it, and found a solution."
"A month ago we won the Intercontinental Cup and six months ago we won the Champions League."
"We competed. We lost one game, it was a final, it hurts, but we have won many finals."
"It was a big defeat, but it was only one game. We played well in every event and we will continue to fight," said Ancelotti.
Ancelotti also did not lose confidence in his players despite playing poorly against Barcelona, who claimed a big win despite goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny being sent off in the 56th minute.
"All of my players have full support, especially those who don't show their best performance right now," said Ancelotti.
One player who found a good performance after struggling to adapt to Los Blancos was Kylian Mbappe.
Mbappe, who scored against Barcelona, has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season since joining Real Madrid in the summer as a free agent, after his contract with Paris Saint-Germain expired.
"He needs time to adapt to the team to show his best physical performance."
"Now he is in his best form and the team must take advantage of it," said Ancelotti about the French star.
Next, Real Madrid will face Celta Vigo in the last 16 of the Copa del Rey, Friday, January 17, 2025, early morning WIB, at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Ancelotti expects a strong response from his players to look at the match.
"I think I will play with the strongest teams there is. This is an important opportunity to bounce back from the bad game we've had. We have to keep going starting with Friday's game," Ancelotti said again.
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