Real Madrid Coach Ancelotti Speaks On FC Barcelona Rival Xavi’s Exit
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti was pushed to comment regarding the upcoming exit of FC Barcelona rival Xavi Hernandez at his prematch press conference on Wednesday afternoon.
Xavi announced that he will leave his post on June 30 following last weekend’s crippling 5-3 defeat to Villarreal which left the Catalans 11 points off the chase at the top of the table.
Girona and Madrid lead the pack, and Ancelotti was naturally asked to provide his thoughts on Xavi’s decision ahead of a La Liga meeting with Getafe Thursday night.
Xavi said at his own prematch press conference on Tuesday that it is “impossible” to enjoy the head coach role at Barca.
Asked whether it was a “cruel” task to sit in the dugout at the Bernabeu, Ancelotti answered: “I just want to say one thing and I don’t want comparisons. We have a fantastic job. With pressure, it’s normal. I respect everyone, their words and thoughts. Whether it’s Xavi or whoever.”
Ancelotti said that he “gets” Xavi’s decision.
“Like I said, I respect [the] decisions [of other managers] and his thoughts. That’s it, I don’t want comparisons,” Ancelotti insisted.
In Getafe, Ancelotti expects to encounter a “very tough” opponent which will try and stop his men from winning a “crucial” match.
“But the team is in good shape and we’ll put in a great game. We’re solid, we play good football, [and] we’re strong. It will be demanding, but our confidence is intact. It is a crucial match, I repeat,” Ancelotti added.
“To score first, that would be nice. But like I said, if we have to come back, it means we have resources,” he also remarked, on what could be a potential 11th remontada this term.
The Italian was probed on whether he wants Luka Modric to renew his contract, and called the Croat a “legend of this club”.
“Whatever he decides, it will be fine,” Ancelotti stated, ahead of again addressing why he doesn’t send Modric to warm up when he won’t enter the fray as a substitute.
“I said what I think, nothing more. A youngster like [Arda] Guler, if he warms up and doesn’t play, nothing happens; but Modric, at 39 years old, with five Champions League titles and being a legend… I can’t do it. He knows that.”
As for Vinicius Jr, Ancelotti believes that the Brazilian has “reached his best level”.
“[He is] well physically, contributing a lot. He’s always very dangerous. Sometimes he tries [to score] when he shouldn’t, but that’s his strength. He must do so,” Ancelotti insisted.
