Carlo Ancelotti has hit back at criticism of Real Madrid following the club’s Champions League exit.
Real Madrid saw their reign as European champions ended by Arsenal in the quarter-finals this week, with the Spanish side losing 5-1 on aggregate.
It’s the first time in five seasons that Real Madrid have failed to reach the semi-finals and Ancelotti insists perspective is needed given the club’s recent success.
“We talked to the club and the players. We’re all hurt after what happened,” Ancelotti said at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s clash with Athletic Bilbao.
“The Champions League is the most important competition, but it’s not the only one. But this is football, you can’t always win. Questioning a club that has won 30 titles in 11 years is just misleading to me.
“Let me thank all these players, as they gave me the chance to win two Champions League in four years. I had a really great time with them and I still have. We have to be together as there are still two titles, we must go for it.”
Reports this week suggested that Ancelotti could leave his role as manager before the end of the season – including as early as after next weekend’s Copa del Rey final with Barcelona. The Italian appeared to dismiss that claim, alongside rumours that he could take charge of the Brazil national team.
“We will evaluate the future at the end of the season, not now. Brazil? I don’t discuss my future now. Full focus on the two titles remaining. (Real Madrid president) Florentino Pérez is showing me even more support and love now than when things go well.”
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