Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has dismissed criticism after Barcelona's 5-2 defeat in the Spanish Super Cup final.
After a 4-0 defeat in the league at the Santiago Bernabeu, their defeat to their rivals earlier in the season led to a harsh assessment of Ancelotti's tactics and players' commitment.
However, the experienced Italian manager has faced criticism and refused to place the blame on his players.
He said, “This is a press conference, not a debate. I have debated with my coaching staff and players to find the best possible solutions.
“I don't think it's appropriate to open dialogue at this time. I don't follow the wave of criticism. One day you are the best and the next day you are the worst. Fortunately, I have balance because of my experience. I don't think I'm the best, but I don't think I'm the dumbest.
“It's been a setback but we've been in a good position in every competition so we have to look forward.
“It hurts us a lot, but it doesn't sink us. It was a bad game and many mistakes were made. We analyzed it, evaluated it, and found answers.
🎙️ @MrAncelotti 🎙️
📺 press conference ➡️ #RMPlay#LaCopaMola— Real Madrid CF 🇬🇧🇺🇸 (@realmadriden) January 15 2025
A month ago we won the Club World Cup and six months ago we won the Champions League. We are competing. We lost one match, a final match It hurts, but it's only one game. We have performed well in every competition and will continue to fight.”
Kylian Mbappe was on the scoresheet for Madrid despite being unbeaten.
The Frenchman has played well in Saudi Arabia and Ancelotti has praised him for his need to adapt to his new club.
He said, “All my players have my full support. Especially those who can't show their best form right now.
“The team needs time to adapt to show his best form. Now he is in his best form and the team needs to take advantage of that.”
Mbappe, who joined Real Madrid on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in the summer, has scored 14 goals in all competitions this season.