Ancelotti Frustrated with Calendar
Real Madrid Manager Carlo Ancelotti Voices Concerns Over Lack of Rest Before Villarreal Match
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti has raised issues regarding the short turnaround time his team will have before their upcoming clash against Villarreal, following a grueling penalty shootout victory over Atletico Madrid in the Champions League. The match is scheduled to take place on Saturday at 18:30 CEST.
Ancelotti addressed concerns about Vinicius Junior missing training on Friday, assuring fans that the player was simply given extra rest to recover from fatigue. He emphasized that Vinicius would be fully fit and available for the upcoming game.
Ancelotti’s Displeasure with Scheduling and Team Preparation
Expressing his discontent with the scheduling of the match, Ancelotti mentioned that he did not understand the decision to have such a short gap between games, emphasizing the importance of adequate rest for players. He also highlighted the need for the team to focus on recovery and smart gameplay strategies for the upcoming fixture.
The Italian manager acknowledged the challenge of motivating the team for the Villarreal match following the emotional high of the Champions League victory, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and determination.
Ancelotti’s Critique of Calendar Management and Player Welfare
Ancelotti has been vocal about concerns regarding the football calendar and its impact on player welfare. He criticized the prioritization of TV rights and financial considerations over player recovery, expressing worries about the increased risk of injuries due to the demanding schedule.
Real Madrid’s Season Progress and Performance Evaluation
Despite facing difficulties, Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with Real Madrid’s progress this season. He highlighted the team’s achievement of leading in all competitions until March, a feat not accomplished in the previous years. Ancelotti acknowledged room for improvement but praised the team’s overall performance.
While celebrating their recent success, Real Madrid’s performance against Atletico Madrid faced scrutiny in the media. Goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois admitted that it was not their best game, emphasizing the need to deliver a stronger performance in the upcoming match against Villarreal to maintain their position at the top of the table.
