Share

Criticism part of the job - Ancelotti

Madrid - Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has said the intense scrutiny he has come under in recent weeks is part of the job of coaching one of the biggest sides in the world.

Madrid president Florentino Perez called an impromptu press conference on Thursday to deny rumours that Ancelotti could be sacked if the European champions lose El Clasico against Barcelona next weekend.

"I have always understood criticism as part of my job," Ancelotti said on Saturday.

"Coaching Real Madrid means coaching the biggest team in the world and if you do that then you get the most criticism too. It is an honour for me to coach this club."

Los Blancos squeezed into the last 16 of the Champions League in midweek despite am embarrassing 4-3 home defeat to Schalke - their fifth defeat in 15 games in 2015.

That run of form has also seen Ancelotti's men surrender top spot in La Liga to Barcelona for the first time in five months and with little room for error ahead of their trip to the Catalan capital next Sunday.

And the Italian admitted there could be changes for the visit of Levante on Sunday, but insisted he would continue with his same attacking philosophy.

"The president always evaluates the work that we do and some things could change.

"We have looked at what has happened and in an ideal world we will change things, but without losing our identity.

"We have a clear identity and in the past few games we haven't shown it."

Ancelotti should be able to recall both Luka Modric and Sergio Ramos back into the starting line-up after long term absences due to muscle injuries.

Meanwhile, full-backs Dani Carvajal and Marcelo will return after being rested in midweek.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1470 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2246 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE