Ancelotti: "Xavi has done a good job and it seems like a correct decision for him to continue"

Barcelona's criticism of the refereeing of the last classic and the Barça request for a replay of the match marked Carlo Ancelotti's press conference prior to Real Sociedad-Real Madrid tomorrow Friday in Anota.

Oliver Thansan
Oliver Thansan
24 April 2024 Wednesday 16:32
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Ancelotti: "Xavi has done a good job and it seems like a correct decision for him to continue"

Barcelona's criticism of the refereeing of the last classic and the Barça request for a replay of the match marked Carlo Ancelotti's press conference prior to Real Sociedad-Real Madrid tomorrow Friday in Anota. When the Madrid coach was asked what he thought of Barcelona taking the matter to the ordinary courts, he commented: "I have nothing to add. They are opinions and words go with the wind."

Then, Ancelotti elaborated on whether he would like the match to be repeated: "It's an opinion and I don't give an opinion on opinions. I don't mind what's being said. We have such good feelings now that everything that happens around us doesn't affect us at all." ".

The Real Madrid coach also spoke about Xavi's continuity on the Barça club's bench: "He has done a good job at Barça and knows the club well. It seems like a correct decision for him to continue." He also doesn't think it's bad that Xavi has changed his mind: "Everything is important and we must respect changes of opinion. There is nothing written down and I also change my mind. It's logical, it's allowed," he stated.

Madrid faces the Anoeta match with its mind set on Tuesday's Champions League semi-final against Bayern in Munich. For Donosti, Ancelotti proposes rotations and has Bellingham and Rodrygo in discomfort: "Bellingham had a stomach problem (gastroenteritis) and Rodrygo had the flu, but they can still travel. Mendy is not going to travel, it's fine but I prefer him to stay working for the Champions".

The Madrid coach does not consider the League won even though he is eleven points ahead of Barcelona with six games left: "Until mathematics gives us the League, we have to fight. The dynamic is very good. It is important that we continue competing and get the most out of it. Winning is the best, that's why you have to win tomorrow," he said.

Ancelotti did not give many clues about Anoeta's eleven: "I have to think carefully about the lineup. The wear and tear has been great. I have to think about things. Courtois is fine, I think he will be available next week. He could play against Cádiz."

The coach also spoke about Militao and Arda Güler: "Militao has improved, but he is still not at 100. He may play from the start. And he may not." Of Güler, he said: "He's fine, he's been ready for a long time and he hasn't had opportunities. The games have been demanding. He deserved the minutes. He can play."