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Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was forced once again to defend his job this season on Wednesday, facing the press again for the first time since their Spanish Super Cup loss to Barcelona. He also quelled rumors about moving Aurelien Tchouameni away from the centre-back position, despite struggling in the final.
Two of the main criticisms of Ancelotti have been the persistence in using Tchouameni in the center of defense ahead of Raúl Asencio and Lucas Vázquez at right back.
“I think Tchouameni has done well as a center back because the data says so. As soon as we don’t have the emergency, he will return to his place as a pivot.”
“I think Asencio is a central defender and to put him on the right side he needs time because he is not used to it. “He has done very well in the games he has played, but let’s not forget that he has only been here for two months.”
In reaction to his defeat, Ancelotti wanted to downplay the importance of a single match.
“It’s a step back, but we have to move forward. There remains what remains of the season where we are well positioned in all competitions. Obviously it was a bad game, we have evaluated it and looked for solutions.”
The Italian coach revealed earlier in the season that he was immune to criticism for his decisions, but personal criticism was something that did not sit well with him. Ancelotti was asked if there was any particular criticism that would have hurt him this time.
Is it difficult to be Carlo Ancelotti?
“No, not at all. The most beautiful place in the world, professionally speaking, is where I am. People dream of reaching this position, my position is easy.” #Real Madrid pic.twitter.com/OPJJv7nW6b
— Soccer Spain (@footballespana_) January 15, 2025
“I don’t follow the wave of criticism, that one day you are the best in the world and another the best. I have the necessary balance, which experience has given me, to know who I am and not get carried away by the wave, because otherwise one day you are the best and another you are the stupidest… I think I am not the best, but I don’t think I am either. the best, but not the stupidest either.”
Ancelotti has shown in the past that he is capable of healing deep wounds and getting Real Madrid going again, but he is running out of time to fix things this season. In La Liga, Los Blancos are in a good position, but any further poor results could threaten to send them into a spiral.
