Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti spoke to the media before their home game against Athletic Club on Sunday. He was asked multiple times about what the future holds for him, his links with the Brazil National Team, and whether he would lead the group in the Club World Cup. To all of this, he simply replied with: “I’ll talk to the club about this at the end of the season.”
Ancelotti on the match against Athletic Club
“It’s going to be an intense match; both teams have played during the week. Congratulations to Athletic for reaching the Europa League semifinals; they’re getting closer to reaching the final at San Mamés. It’s going to be an intense match.”
Ancelotti on his relationship with the club
“I’ve spoken with the players and the club. We’re all on the same page, which is to keep fighting for the remaining titles. We’re all hurt about leaving the most important competition, but these things can happen in football. You can’t always win. There’s no conflict with the club. We’re always in the same boat. Anyone who talks about a conflict between me and the president or the club isn’t telling the truth. The president shows me more affection in these moments than when we’ve won. Everything in this world is questioned.”
Ancelotti on whether Real Madrid can win again next season
“Anything can be done; we have to assess the future at the end of the season. When we’re still competing for titles that are still important, we have a final in a week, and we have the first Club World Cup in history at the end of the season. Talking about this isn’t the right thing to do now.”
Ancelotti on what hurt him most after the loss
“That a club that has won so many titles is being questioned.”
Ancelotti on whether he expected more from players
“The only thing I want to do is thank all these players. Because I’ve had a great time so far, and I want to continue doing so. We’re still united; we have a great relationship. These players have given me the opportunity to win two Champions Leagues in recent years.”
Ancelotti on whether UCL is the only trophy that matters to Real Madrid
“The Champions League is obviously the most important competition, not just for Real Madrid, but for all clubs. But the rest also counts, including the Copa del Rey final, trying to win La Liga, and the Club World Cup.”
Ancelotti on what worries him most
“We need to regain our positive feelings. Then we need to be solid again in this final stretch because we’ve conceded a lot of goals in recent games.”
