Ancelotti Responds To Xavi's Criticism: Playing Good More Than Just Mastering The Ball

Carlo Ancelotti (Twitter @realmadrid)

JAKARTA - Carlo Ancelotti replied to the latest comments from Xavi and Lionel Messi, aiming to discredit Real Madrid's 2021/22 Champions League win.

It said Real Madrid won the continental tournament without being the best team in the competition, but the Italian coach gave a smart answer.

"Playing football well is more than just controlling the ball," the coach told a news conference on Tuesday, ahead of Real Madrid vs Shakhtar Donetsk, quoted Wednesday.

The Champions League is sometimes about small details, but it's part of the game and Real Madrid is the best club to manage these little details in the history of this competition.

"You can concede three goals quickly, which happened to me in the final, or you can score two goals quickly, which happened to me in the semifinals.

The former AC Milan coach Bayern Munich and Chelsea added that talking about luck means we cover up the problems we have and don't give praise to the opponents," Don Carlo continued.

"We may say we were unlucky against Osasuna on Sunday, but that would hide our problems and take praise from the opponent."

Barcelona themselves faced Inter Milan in Matchday 3 of the Champions League on Tuesday night. Xavi's men lost 0-1 despite possession of 68 percent of the ball. Evidently not what Ancelotti said?