Real momsD manager Carlo Ancelotti was once again forced to defend his job this season on Wednesday, as he was back in front of the press for the first time since his Spanish Supercup defeat against Barcelona. He also calmed down talk of removing Aurelien Tchouameni from the center position, despite struggling in the final.
Two of the key areas of criticism for Ancelotti have been persistence in use Tchouameni in the center of defense in front of Raul Asencioand Lucas Vazquez on the right.
“I think Tchouameni did well as a central defender because the data says so. As soon as we don't have an emergency, he will return to his place as a pivot.
“I think that 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 he was keen to downplay the importance of a single match.
“It is a step back, but we have to move forward. There is the rest of the season where we are well positioned in all competitions. Obviously it was a bad game, we evaluated it and looked for solutions.”
The Italian coach revealed before the season that he was immune to criticism of his decisions, but personal criticism was something that did not sit well with him. Ancelotti was asked if there was a particular point of criticism that hurt him this time around.
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.” #RealMadrid pic.twitter.com/OPJJv7nW6b
— Football España (@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, that experience has given me, to know who I am and not let myself be carried away by the wave, because otherwise one day you're the best and another you're the stupidest… I think I'm not the best, but I don't think the best, but neither the stupidest.
Ancelotti has shown in the past that he is capable of healing deep wounds and rebuilding Real Madrid, but he has no time to sort things out this season. In La Liga, the Whites are in a good position, but any other poor results could threaten to send them into a spiral.
