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Real Madrid coach Ancelotti speaks out on refereeing scandal before Leganés clash

4. February 2025
Carlo Ancelotti (foto: Posnetek zaslona)
Carlo Ancelotti addressed the media ahead of Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey quarter-final against Leganés, discussing injuries, squad depth, and the ongoing refereeing controversy.

When asked about the club’s concerns over refereeing decisions, Ancelotti did not hold back.

"Something inexplicable has happened, talking about the integrity of the footballers, and what Madrid is asking for is an explanation. And I think it’s right. Because nothing has been done to protect the integrity of the player. We are talking about a situation that has happened. If the explanations don’t come out, it means there is a problem, and if there is a problem, someone has to fix it. What they have thought is that it is a good time to change something. When there is a problem, something has to change."

Ancelotti on the game against Leganés: "We have to prepare well and get to the next step of this competition. In other years, the Copa has given us a lot of joy."

Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s official complaint regarding ‘double standards’: "I refer to what I said. We talk about the integrity of a footballer, and we only ask for an explanation about this. Nothing more."

Ancelotti on Alaba’s injury and Madrid’s lack of signings: "Unfortunately, we have lost two important players. Alaba was ready to play. He was going to play tomorrow because he had a good feeling. What happened we hadn’t considered, like Rüdiger. These are emergency moments. We have to hold on with what we have. We have Jacobo Ramón, who has been injured for a long time and can contribute."

Ancelotti on Fede Valverde as a central defender: "No, maybe as a full-back, but not as a centre-back. Jacobo, Asencio, and Tchouameni can play."

Ancelotti on Tchouameni as a defensive option: "Defensively, he’s very good in the air, he positions himself well, and has tactical knowledge. He is not so used to this position, but his knowledge as a pivot helps him. Sometimes he has been good, sometimes he has had problems. But I only remember one clear and serious mistake where we conceded a goal."

Ancelotti on whether Cristiano Ronaldo is the greatest of all time: "He has defined an era and, for me, yes, he has been the best. He has helped me a lot to stay calm on the Madrid bench."

Ancelotti on Bellingham and Vinícius’ fitness: "Bellingham had a bruise from a knock and won’t be available. Vinícius has been given an extra day to recover, but he will be available for tomorrow."

Ancelotti on Manchester City’s transfer activity in January: "I have to think about the game against City with these players they have signed. I don’t want to comment on that. They are always competitive. But we have other things to think about at the moment."

Ancelotti on which European league has the best referees: "It’s very complicated. Where they have less pressure is in England. That’s why they perform better."

Ancelotti on how Madrid could have avoided the injury crisis: "What I have to think about is how to deal with the emergency we have. We had it last year. We have to manage it well. We managed it well last year. The young players will be able to show their quality. We are going to trust Jacobo."

Ancelotti on preparing for the Leganés match: "The lack of Rüdiger weighs on us. Not only at set pieces. Leganés is a team that defends very well. They had great results against Barça and Atlético. This morning we trained the set-piece in this regard."

Ancelotti on whether similar referee complaints would lead to action in Italy: "In every country, it’s different. It is an opportunity for Spanish football after what happened against Espanyol. It can be an opportunity to change something."

Ancelotti on whether he could have won more titles with better officiating: "I fully agree with the statement."

Ancelotti on Mbappé’s fitness: "Mbappé trained today. He has a bruise on his calf. He trained normally today, but he won’t be available for the game tomorrow."

Ancelotti on the widespread complaints about referees: "Everybody complains. And if everyone complains, it means no one is happy."

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