Edgy Ancelotti isn’t in the mood to discuss following Barcelona’s crushing defeat

Carlo Ancelotti, the manager of Real Madrid, avoided talking about his team’s 5-2 loss to Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday and was quiet ahead of their Copa del Rey last-16 match against Celta Vigo at home on Thursday.

In contrast to the calm and easygoing demeanor the seasoned Italian coach often presents in his news conferences, Ancelotti provided succinct responses at a stressful press conference after claiming Real had discovered the answer following their humiliating loss.

When asked if Real Madrid will try to add players during the January transfer window, he declined to say, and when questioned about his players’ dedication and attitude during the humiliating loss to old rivals Barcelona, he responded abruptly.

It is important to clarify that this is a news conference rather than a discussion. My players and coaching staff and I argue. On Wednesday, an edgy Ancelotti stated, “I don’t think this is the best place to start a debate.”

“We have a great chance to bounce back from our poor performance, which damaged us a lot but didn’t break us, when we play Celta at home. We want to respond, and I hope that after the poor game the other day, there is a significant response.

On Sunday, Barcelona defeated Real Madrid for the second time this season; the first time was in October, when they destroyed Real in La Liga at the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.

Real Madrid has struggled to maintain the same level of play this season after an incredible 2023–24 season in which they won both the Champions League and La Liga. This is mostly the case in Europe’s top club tournament, where they are now in 20th position with just nine points from six games.

With 43 points, they are one point behind Atletico Madrid and five points ahead of Barcelona, who are now in third place in La Liga.

Ancelotti said that he did not let the commotion to affect his work and that he was focused on putting his team back on track when asked whether the pressure and mounting criticism were starting to get to him.

“I don’t follow the wave of criticism, that one day you’re the best in the world and another day you’re the dumbest,” remarked the politician.

I’ve gained the equilibrium I need from experience to know who I am and avoid getting swept away by the tide. Not that I’m the greatest, but I also don’t think I’m the most stupid.

“The loss on Sunday is a step back, but we must keep going. We still have one season remaining where we are in a strong position across all contests. The game was awful, and we committed a lot of blunders. After analyzing it, we have discovered the answer. We must go forward.

“The good thing about football is that after a bad game, after a defeat like that, there is a chance to do well, which is tomorrow, and it gives you the opportunity to focus a lot on what you have to do and not on the bad things you have done.”