Real Madrid boss believes questions around the club’s abilities are “misleading” and reminds critics they have enjoyed plenty of success in recent years
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has expressed his frustration at criticism of his side’s performance since their 5-1 defeat on aggregate to Arsenal in the Champions League quarter-finals.
Speaking ahead of his team’s Sunday clash with Athletic Club, the Italian made it clear that while it was upsetting to lose to Arsenal, the players were aware that it was impossible to win every Champions League competition. He insisted that there was no discontent within the squad or the club hierarchy and they were still focused on competing on other fronts.
“I’ve spoken to the club and the players,” said Ancelotti, “and we’re all on the same page as far as fighting for the titles that are still on the table.
“We’re all hurting, as are the fans, after being knocked out of such an important competition where the club has enjoyed great success in recent years, but these things happen in football.
“You can’t win all the time. We’re all on the same page. There is no conflict of any kind with the club, and there never has been because we’re all in the same boat, through the good and the bad.”
Ancelotti returned to Real Madrid for a second stint in the summer of 2021. In the four seasons since then, he has won two Champions League and two La Liga titles. Asked which criticism has been most upsetting to him, the 65-year-old said that it was comments regarding the abilities of a Real Madrid team that in recent years have been very successful in Spain, and almost too successful in Europe.
“I find the questions around a club that has won 27 titles in 11 years to be extremely misleading,” said Ancelotti. “That’s what has frustrated me the most.”
