“Irony is the only way. Because if I say what I think, I lose a lot of games,” said the Real Madrid coach.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti was tongue-in-cheek at a press conference when asked about De Burgos Bengoetxea’s refereeing. The Italian coach did not like the work of the referee at all, who warned him in the second half of the match in Seville, but he did not want to criticize him in front of the media so as not to be punished.
“I think the referee did everything right, he played a high-quality match,” Ancelotti said in the press room. “Are you ironic?” they asked him later on Real Madrid TV. ‘No, no, I mean it. Irony is the only way. Because if I say what I think, I get a lot of games. So to avoid suspensions, I use irony,” he said.
Ancelotti’s press conference
―How do you rate the match… and the referee?
“It was an even, competitive match, with a lot of intensity. We played better in the first half than in the second, because we started the match well, but didn’t take advantage of the opportunities and then Sevilla woke up. The result is fair: a draw. I think the referee played a good game in everything. He stopped the counter to preserve a player’s health. My opinion is that he played a high-level match.
―This calm reaction clashes with his attitude on the sidelines: he seemed very nervous at De Burgos Bengoetxea… Did you like the referee 100%?
-Yes, 100%. It was a very competitive match, with many duels… and they were all good.
-Do you use irony?
-No no. I am serious. Finally I asked him about my yellow, but that’s all. Because I don’t understand it; I wasn’t talking to him, but to Camavinga.
“What do you think the team missed?
‘We were good in the first half and generated a lot of chances. We were very close to scoring a goal, but in the second everything became complicated for us, we lacked intensity.
-Why did you cancel Brahim’s change… and not Joselu’s?
―Because the draw changes the idea, which is to continue attacking, but with more balance. That’s why I only involved one man.
―Is there general dissatisfaction among your players with the referee?
-I don’t know, I haven’t talked to them.
-What do you think about Vinicius leaving another stadium angry? And what do you think of Ramos?
–Pufff… Vinicius tried many times, but Navas defended him very well. It was difficult for him to dribble, but he played his role. As for Ramos, I enjoyed seeing and greeting him. I wish him the best.
-Do you feel like Vinicius needs to change something at some point? Or will this remain the case throughout his career?
“But what happened?” We’re talking about a fight that was attended by many, not just Vinicius, right? The referee did well to reassure.
-What do you think of the match between Bellingham and Kepa?
“I think overall the game was spectacular. But we also have to take the opponent into account: Sevilla plays with a lot of intensity. Bellingham played a great game, they tried until the end. There are always ‘trap games’ after the break and this could be one of them, but a draw isn’t bad.
―Tell me about Rodrygo’s game…
“He has been one of the best, if not the best, on the team. He’s tried everything.
Carlo Ancelotti, with Real Madrid TV
-What assessment do you make of the competition?
‘It was competitive and difficult. We started well and scored two goals that were not allowed to us. In the second half everything was the same as we lowered the intensity. The result is not bad, but of course we always want to win. Although a point on one field and against such a difficult opponent is good. We continue.
‘What’s the best thing the team has done?
‘That we don’t lower our arms when we belong. The first half was good and we should have taken more advantage of it.
-Did you use irony at the press conference?
‘Yes, yes, irony is the only way. Because if I say what I think, I get a lot of games. And what I like most is sitting on the bench of Real Madrid, so to avoid suspensions I don’t say what I think. Irony shot.
Source: Goal