Ancelotti Quashes Real Madrid Rumours as Mbappe and Mendy Set to Miss Getafe Showdown

Real Madrid’s manager Carlo Ancelotti refuted claims on Tuesday that he is facing increasing pressure at the club, where they currently occupy second place in the La Liga table, despite their recent exit from the Champions League.

Speculation surrounding Ancelotti’s future has intensified following the team’s quarter-final defeat to Arsenal, with various reports hinting that he may depart Real at the end of the season to take the helm of the Brazil national team.

Among the names circulating as potential successors at Real are Bayer Leverkusen’s Xabi Alonso and former Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp.

When queried about any pressure he might be feeling, the Italian tactician responded to the media: “The club understands that this year has been more challenging than the last.”

“We tackle difficulties together. The honeymoon is still on. I’m very happy, genuinely happy, even with the pressure; that’s just part of the job.”

“With success so close, it’s natural for stress levels to rise, but stress fuels my motivation; it energises me to explore more options.”

“As long as I wake up each morning, everything is just fine.”

Real Madrid remains in contention on several fronts, currently sitting second in La Liga with 69 points from 32 games, trailing only their rivals Barcelona by four points.

This weekend, they are set to square off against Barcelona in the Copa del Rey final, but first, they will visit 12th-placed Getafe for a league encounter on Wednesday, although they will miss star forward Kylian Mbappe and defender Ferland Mendy.

Mbappe sustained an ankle injury during Real’s quarter-final defeat to Arsenal last week, while Mendy is recuperating from a hamstring setback.

“(Mbappe and Mendy) won’t be fit for tomorrow, but they will train over the next few days, and I believe they’ll both be ready for Saturday’s match,” Ancelotti stated.

“The starting eleven for tomorrow will be determined based on the fatigue from Sunday night’s (1-0 win against Athletic Bilbao) match, and that’s it. Some players are a bit tired, which is perfectly normal. We’ll have to see how they feel.”

“Getafe play a very intense style of football, are well-organised, and have a clear approach. We’re prepared for them. As the season draws to a close, every match becomes increasingly significant.”