Ancelotti hits back at Guardiola’s Madrid comments

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti held his regular press conference ahead of the Champions League return leg against Manchester City.

He admitted that he didn’t trust that City would perform at a low level, confirmed the return of Rüdiger and Alaba to the squad, and addressed recent refereeing controversies in La Liga.

What are your expectations for tomorrow’s match against City, based on the first leg?

It will be an entertaining, complicated, and difficult match. We’re preparing well and working on getting players back. Our plan is to play with the same intensity as in the first leg, mindful of the challenges this type of game presents. Everything will be decided in 90 minutes.

Do you have any comments about Rayo’s game [1-0 loss to FC Barcelona]?

No, I’ve already given my opinion. What’s happening is surprising. I have nothing new to add. What happened against Osasuna and Atlético are examples of three matches where we were affected by questionable decisions we still don’t understand.

Do you feel more comfortable with European refereeing?

Yes. The statistics speak for themselves—there is less controversy and fewer unnecessary VAR interventions. In the Champions League, only the best referees from each country officiate, and the quality is very high.

Does Guardiola really think there’s a 1% chance of winning?

I don’t think so. I’ll ask him before the game tomorrow. He likely believes he has more of a chance, in the same way we don’t think we have 99%. We feel we have a slight advantage and intend to play the same way we did in the first leg, which worked well.

Do you believe the league could be compromised?

I can only comment on what I see. In those three games, there were obvious mistakes.

Do you take past results into account to gain an advantage?

That’s more of a psychological factor. It happens often, but it’s hard to overcome. Telling the team to approach the match as if it’s 0-0 is unrealistic because the 2-3 scoreline is still there. What we can change is our approach—play without making calculations, but still remember the advantage we have.

Are you hopeful that Bellingham won’t be sanctioned?

Yes, absolutely.

Are there any doubts about Tchouaméni returning to midfield and Asensio’s defensive position?

I don’t have any. Do you? (laughs) That was my doubt initially, but it has been resolved. Let me keep you guessing until tomorrow. I’m joking. Rüdiger could start, Tchouaméni can play as a pivot, and Asencio as a center-back. We’ll see how Valverde is after coming off injured against Osasuna. Asencio could also play as a right-back.

What do you think of the defensive effort despite two draws?

These were three demanding matches. It’s not just about results—the team is playing well, which gives us confidence and a positive spirit. We need to keep playing with quality, but I also want to highlight the team’s sacrifice and collective commitment.

Is Lucas Vázquez ready to start?

Not yet. He will be on the bench as he hasn’t completed his recovery plan.

On refereeing controversies:

I have my doubts because VAR seems to have taken too much responsibility away from referees. It’s a risky system. VAR should only correct clear and obvious errors, not make football-related interventions. Often, it removes the natural flow of the game just for the sake of an image. Some penalties are difficult to understand—like the ones on Borja Iglesias, Tchouameni, and Camavinga. Referees will make mistakes, but when VAR steps in to make decisions, it’s sometimes even harder to comprehend.

Is Mbappé at his best right now?

I don’t see anything new. He’s motivated and in great physical shape. He handles stress well before games and stays calm. He’s doing very well at the moment.

Do you think the club’s letter to the RFEF affects refereeing decisions?

I prefer not to comment on that matter.

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