The Real Madrid coach appeared for the match against SC Braga, in the Champions League, but the focus was on the Spanish referees.
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti appeared for his side’s match against SC Braga for the third day of the Champions League group stage.
However, five out of ten questions the Italian coach received had to do with referees in LaLiga. “V“You know I don’t have freedom of speech to talk about the referees,” he shot.
Ancelotti’s full press conference:
Which match should Madrid play in Braga?
“It’s a great opportunity to get closer to the round of 16. Braga plays good football, they like to have the ball and attack. Dominate. We have to defend well, that will be crucial. And from there, take advantage of the individual qualities we have, which are many.”
How do you explain Madrid’s dominance in Europe… and the irregularities in Spain?
“Buff…I don’t know. But this competition is very important for the club because it is the competition that we all like the most: me, the players, the fans… it is special. The contrast is striking, but we must look forward, not back.”
Do you trust European referees more than Spanish ones? What do you think of Real Madrid’s TV videos?
“I trust referees out of habit. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less. Regarding Real Madrid’s TV videos, you know very well what freedom of expression is. And everyone can express what he or she wants. I focus on mine. But… it’s a somewhat ‘special’ moment in Spanish football, that’s true. And until it’s resolved, you’re going to have these kinds of problems.”
Do you think a referee deliberately wants to harm Madrid?
“Sometimes they have hurt us… but… you know I don’t have freedom of speech to talk about the referees. If I say what I think, they suspend me. And I want to work. Enjoy the games, that’s what makes me happy. So I have no freedom of expression in this area. “I can’t answer these kinds of questions.”
What differences do you see between Spanish and European referees?
“There are many things that need to be evaluated to answer this: a Spanish referee who whistles in Spain lives in Spain. But for example, the English referee who will blow his whistle in Portugal tomorrow will be there again on Wednesday and what they say in Portugal will not make much difference to him. I think referees in Europe exert a different pressure.”
Can it be dangerous to feel too favored?
“Trust is important, not going out afraid. But you have to respect your rival. Someone who attacks very well, a goalscorer, dangerous. Maximum respect”.
Pedro Rocha has said that Spanish referees are “the best in Europe”. Will you share it?
“And if you ask me about the best players in the world, I will tell you the ones from Madrid! There are very good referees… and others who need to improve.”
Do you have to make an extra effort so that the team does not lose concentration?
“No, no, not at all. Actually, we haven’t even thought about the Classic yet. The players are recovering physically and have their minds focused on tomorrow, an evening that is a huge opportunity to get on track to progress to the second round, as I have said before.
Are you thinking about rotating?
“No. But that doesn’t mean they’re going to play the same games on Saturday. We’ll have to deal with injuries, fatigue, “Nacho’s return… There will be time to think about Saturday.”
Source: Goal