Ancelotti Acknowledges Real Madrid’s Pain After European Departure, but No Concerns with the Club

Real Madrid’s manager, Carlo Ancelotti, has acknowledged that his team is still reeling after their quarter-final elimination from the Champions League, although he stressed that there have been no disagreements with the club’s leadership following their exit.

Arsenal triumphed over the 15-time European champions in both matches, securing a 5-1 aggregate victory that sees Ancelotti’s squad now focusing solely on domestic competitions.

Real Madrid is set to compete in the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona, who currently lead Ancelotti’s side by four points in La Liga. This Sunday, Real will host fourth-placed Athletic Bilbao.

Club president Florentino Perez is known for his decisiveness when it comes to coaching appointments, yet Ancelotti, the only manager to have clinched the Champions League five times, insisted that reports of turmoil with the club are unfounded.

“I’ve had discussions with the players and the club. We are united in our feelings. It’s painful for all of us to exit the tournament where we’ve had our greatest success. However, victory isn’t guaranteed all the time,” Ancelotti conveyed to the press.

“We share the same perspective, and there is no discord with the club. Anyone claiming there’s a rift is mistaken; the president shows even more support during these times than he does in moments of triumph.”

“The Champions League is paramount for everyone involved. It holds significant historical value for Madrid. Nevertheless, suggesting that our other pursuits don’t matter is inaccurate.”

Ancelotti expressed that the sharp criticism following their departure from the Champions League was particularly painful, but he refrained from placing any blame on his players, highlighting the “excellent rapport” he shares with them.

“In this environment, everything tends to be scrutinised,” he remarked. “To question a club that has amassed nearly 30 titles over the past decade seems unjust to me.”

“What I truly want is to express my gratitude to these players. It’s been a fantastic journey so far, and I hope to keep it going… These players have granted me the chance to win two Champions League titles in recent seasons.”

As for their upcoming opponents, Athletic Bilbao are heading to the Europa League semi-finals, and Ancelotti extended his congratulations to them.

“It’s going to be a high-stakes match, as both teams have played recently,” he noted. “They are inching closer to reaching the final at San Mames. We aim to remain competitive in La Liga.”