The tension between La Liga president Javier Tebas and Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti continues to grow.
Recently, Ancelotti, frustrated by some of Tebas’ comments, sarcastically remarked, “I didn’t know he wanted to be a coach.” In retaliation, Tebas took to social media to highlight Ancelotti’s previous remarks about the number of substitutions in matches, stirring up fresh controversy.
The new row began on March 15 after Ancelotti’s comments regarding Real Madrid’s tight schedule. After a win against Villarreal, Ancelotti expressed frustration, stating that his team would no longer play matches with less than 72 hours’ rest.
When asked about this at a press conference on Thursday, Tebas indirectly targeted Ancelotti, stating, “The decision to allow five substitutions was made due to COVID, but then you make three substitutions in the 85th minute and complain.”
Real Madrid will face Leganés in La Liga on Saturday. In response to Tebas’ comments, Ancelotti said that the La Liga president should focus more on his own job.
“I knew Tebas was obsessed with Real Madrid, but I didn’t know he wanted to be a coach,” said Ancelotti.
Tebas, clearly agitated by the Italian coach’s comments, didn’t take long to respond. He quickly posted a message on social media, referencing Ancelotti’s earlier statements on substitutes.
Before the COVID pandemic, teams were only allowed to make three substitutions in a match. However, during the pandemic, the rule was adjusted to allow five. Ancelotti had initially opposed the idea of five substitutions but later changed his stance, supporting the idea. Tebas posted these conflicting statements on X (formerly Twitter), quoting Ancelotti’s earlier words from his time at Everton in 2020.
Tebas also quoted Ancelotti’s 2021 remarks after a match against Valencia: “Substituting players is tricky, because I change my mind often. The players who came on late, like Isco, Camavinga, Jovic, and Rodrigo, really changed the game. The opportunity to make five substitutions helped us, because we have great talent in our squad.”
Tebas has frequently made headlines with his comments about Real Madrid, including his criticism of the refereeing in La Liga and accusations of bias. His ongoing criticism of the club has put him at odds with Real Madrid supporters, and this latest spat has only intensified the tension.
Ancelotti recently stated, “Tebas lacks respect for Real Madrid and its coaches.” It remains to be seen what his next response will be.
