Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti believes that when playing a match every three days, there’s no time to think about criticism.
Having won six Champions League titles over the past decade, Real Madrid has set such high expectations that even the slightest dip in performance causes fans to raise their voices. This season, the most successful European club has found itself in just such a situation. However, coach Carlo Ancelotti insists that they are so busy that there is no time to pay attention to external criticism.
Real Madrid will face Arsenal in the first leg of the Champions League quarter-finals. The match at the English club’s stadium will kick off at 1 AM on Tuesday. The day before the game, Ancelotti spoke at a press conference about avoiding outside criticism.
“When we play a match every three days, we don’t have time to think about criticism. We analyze every match and prepare for the next one,” said Ancelotti.
“Tomorrow’s match is very important, but it’s just the first 90 minutes of the fight. It’s not decisive because next week we will play another 90 minutes at the Santiago Bernabéu.”
Last season, Real Madrid was in great form, winning both La Liga and the Champions League, losing only two matches. This season, however, they haven’t been as consistent.
They’ve already lost five matches in La Liga and several others in other competitions, including a heavy defeat to their arch-rivals Barcelona. Real Madrid will face Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final later this month.
After losing 2-1 to Valencia last Saturday, Real Madrid’s quest to retain their La Liga title has been set back. With 63 points and eight matches left, they are in second place, four points behind Barcelona at the top.
In the new format of the Champions League, Real Madrid has already eliminated teams like Manchester City and Atlético Madrid, which has given coach Ancelotti confidence about winning the title this season.
“If I didn’t believe that we could win a title this season, I would have stepped down by now. I would be thinking about taking a break,” said Ancelotti.
“In the end, we are here to fight for every title. If it doesn’t work, then we will have to think about the next season. But that time hasn’t come yet. Our experience in the Champions League is very important. The knowledge means that in such matches and under such pressure, you won’t be afraid.”
