Football: Real Madrid's domestic glory depends on beating Barcelona, says Ancelotti

Madrid, April 22: With Real Madrid's UEFA Champions League elimination, their entire season depends on domestic success. With a four-point gap in the La Liga and a date in the Copa Del Rey final set, head coach Carlo Ancelotti believes their success depends on beating arch-rivals FC Barcelona.

Madrid will take on Barcelona on Sunday (IST) in the final of Spain's Cup competition before travelling to Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys to take on the Catalonians in a reverse La Liga fixture. Hansi Flick's men have had Real Madrid's number this season having beaten them 4-0 and 5-2 in La Liga and the final of the Super Copa de Espana respectively.

"The two titles we have at stake, not counting the Club World Cup, depend on beating Barcelona. That's the only question mark we have at the moment. If we want to win both competitions, we have to win these two games.

"We'll have to start well in the next game and focus on the Cup final. We're confident we can do it and achieve it. Obviously, we have to change something in this regard, and we're going to change something," said Ancelotti in the press conference previewing their game against Getafe on Thursday (IST).

There is a lot of uncertainty regarding Ancelotti's future at the club with reports suggesting Madrid are now planning for a future without the Italian, with Bayer Leverkusen coach Xabi Alonso and former Liverpool head coach Jurgen Klopp rumoured to be the front runners. Ancelotti is also being considered by the Brazilian national team after they sacked Dorival Jr.

When asked if winning the La Liga and Copa del Rey could help him continue his current capacity, he replied, "In football, anything is possible. I'm not surprised by anything, so anything can happen."

"I don't have any grudges against anyone or anything. I love this bench. I loved the first stage, and I'm loving this second one. I'd like this to continue as long as possible. If one day it ends, I'll be grateful and I'll take my hat off to this club, nothing else," Ancelotti added.

Reader Comments

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James K.

Ancelotti is right - these next two games will define our season. After that UCL exit, we need to show we're still the kings of Spain. Hala Madrid! ⚪

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Sarah L.

I respect Ancelotti's professionalism but I think we need fresh ideas. Those heavy defeats to Barca show we need tactical changes. Maybe Xabi Alonso would bring that?

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Miguel R.

The way he talks about the club with such love... Don Carlo deserves our respect no matter what happens. But football is ruthless - we need trophies.

A

Aisha B.

That 5-2 loss still hurts 😩 We better come prepared this time! Vini needs to step up big time against Barca's defense.

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Thomas W.

Interesting that he mentions changing something. Maybe we'll finally see a different approach against Barca instead of playing into their hands.

P

Priya M.

The Brazil rumors make me nervous. I hope the board makes a decision soon - this uncertainty can't be good for the dressing room atmosphere.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.