Ancelotti: "The altercation was unnecessary, as the match had already finished"

INA-  SOURCES


Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated this Thursday that the "altercation" at the end of the Supercopa de España semifinal between his side and RCD Mallorca was "unnecessary, as the match had already finished." He refrained from commenting on the provisional decision made by the Higher Sports Council (CSD) allowing Dani Olmo and Pau Víctor to be registered with FC Barcelona.

"The fight was unnecessary because the game was over. I’m not saying it's our fault or Mallorca's, it just didn’t make sense," the Italian evaluated during a press conference following Real Madrid's 3-0 victory over Mallorca.

Expressing satisfaction with his team’s performance in Jeddah, he remarked, "We deserved to win, we defended well, and although we suffered the injury of Tchouameni, Asensio came on well; he's used to playing with us. We are preparing for the match against Barcelona, focusing on both defending and attacking effectively because that’s football," Ancelotti stated, adding that the French midfielder "is fine" following a collision with Cyle Larin.

"The team is quite close to its best level now; we are achieving consistency in results, and we need to continue this way. I think rather than seeking the highest level, we need to focus on continuity in our play. At the moment, we are managing well in that aspect," the Italian coach continued.

According to Ancelotti, one key aspect has been the improvement of Jude Bellingham and his growing influence in the game. "It means a lot because Bellingham has started to involve himself more, combining better with Vinícius, Rodrygo, and Mbappé. This has been a significant improvement for the team, along with our ability to maintain a good balance in these matches," he analyzed.

"Mbappé is currently in great form and is showing a good version of himself. It's not just today, but I believe he performed very well in December, as he has been more active and is gradually reaching his best level. I don’t know what his peak level is because with the quality he possesses, it's impossible to determine where he can reach," he commented on the French forward.

This Sunday, there will be a Clasico to determine the tournament winner, and Ancelotti acknowledged that it arrives "very differently" compared to the 0-4 defeat at the Santiago Bernabéu against Barcelona. "It has always been an unpredictable game; it’s hard to predict what kind of match it will be. It will obviously be an entertaining match because there is a wealth of quality on the pitch," he defended.

Finally, Ancelotti decided not to comment on the CSD's provisional ruling allowing Olmo and Víctor to play in the final for Barça. "I think, but I don’t want to discuss this topic. It’s true that I have an official, public profile, but for this subject, at this moment, I will not express my opinion; I’m sorry, but what I think I will keep to myself," he concluded.




source: FOOTBOOM