“Irony is the only way. Because if I say what I think, I lose a lot of games,” claimed the Real Madrid coach in a lighthearted moment.
Carlo Ancelotti offered a playful take at a press conference when discussing De Burgos Bengoetxea’s refereeing. He did not hide his disapproval of the official, who warned him in the second half of the Seville clash, yet he chose not to denounce him in public to sidestep potential punishments.
“I think the referee handled the match with high quality,” Ancelotti told reporters. When Real Madrid TV pressed him on irony, he clarified, “No, no, I mean it. Irony is the only way. If I speak my mind, I face suspensions. So I use irony to avoid bans.”
Ancelotti, on Real Madrid TV: “When I speak about referees, many games are on my plate. Sitting back and not saying what I think is what I prefer; I use irony.” pic.twitter.com/XwU3ddvRg9
— José Luis Sánchez (JLSanchez78) October 21, 2023
Ancelotti’s press conference
―How do you evaluate the match and the performance of the referee?
“It was a balanced, competitive contest with plenty of intensity. We started strong in the first half, created chances, yet could not capitalize fully. Sevilla woke up in the second period. The result is fair: a draw. I believe the referee officiated at a high level, managing play with precision and prioritizing player safety by halting counters when necessary.”
―There is talk of your sideline composure. Did you find the official’s handling 100% acceptable?
-Yes, 100%. The match was highly competitive, featuring many duels that were all well-contested.
-Do you use irony in your comments?
-No. I am serious. I only mentioned my yellow card because I did not understand it; I was addressing Camavinga, not the official.
“What did the team miss in your view?”
‘We were strong in the first half and created several chances. We came very close to scoring, but the second half grew more difficult as we lost some intensity.
-Why did you withdraw Brahim’s substitution and not Joselu’s?
―Because a draw shifts the game plan toward continued attack but with improved balance. That’s why only one substitution was made.
―Is there any widespread frustration among the players with the referee?
-I’m not sure; I haven’t spoken to them about it.
-What about Vinicius leaving the stadium upset, and Ramos’s return? What are your thoughts?
–Vinicius faced stubborn close-quarters pressure, but Navas defended well. It was tough for him to get through, yet he contributed to the team. As for Ramos, it was nice to see him and wish him well.
-Do you think Vinicius should modify anything in his approach, or will this persist?
“What happened?” It seems the incident involved more than Vinicius alone, and the referee did well to calm the situation.
-What are your thoughts on the Bellingham and Kepa duel?
“The overall display was spectacular. Sevilla brought high intensity, and Bellingham performed admirably, working hard until the end. There are always tricky matches after a break, and this could have tipped either way, but a draw isn’t a bad outcome.”
―Tell us about Rodrygo’s performance…
“Rodrygo has been among the best on the team, if not the best. He’s tried everything and contributed greatly.”
Carlo Ancelotti, with Real Madrid TV
-What is your assessment of the competition?
‘It was a tough, competitive affair. We started well and had two goals disallowed for offside. In the second half we maintained a similar level but lacked a bit more intensity. The result is not bad; earning a point on the road against a strong opponent is valuable. We move forward.’
‘What stands out about the team’s performance?’
‘The habit of not giving up when it matters. The first half was solid and we should have capitalized more.’
-Did you rely on irony during the press conference?
‘Yes, irony is the only way. If I speak my mind too plainly, I risk many games. And what I enjoy most is sitting on Real Madrid’s bench, so to avoid suspensions I stay measured. Irony is useful.’
Source: Goal