FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez has been praised by Real Madrid rival Carlo Ancelotti, who insists … [+]
Real Madrid head coach Carlo Ancelotti has praised opposite number Xavi Hernandez prior to Los Blancos taking on bitter rivals FC Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final on Sunday.
Asked whether he sought payback for 2023’s decider the Catalans won, Ancelotti quipped: “Madrid don’t play for revenge, they always come out on top.”
Madrid booked its place in the 2024 final after a thrilling but probably draining 120-minute last four encounter with crosstown foe Atletico Madrid on Wednesday.
Asked if there had been any affect on his players, Ancelotti answered: “We’re fine, don’t worry. The team has recovered… Or it’s going to recover by tomorrow.
“Emotionally we are motivated. [We’re] close to the first title of the season, and we’re going to try to win.”
By coming out on top in Riyadh, Ancelotti can equal Zinedine Zidane as Madrid’s second-most successful coach on 11 titles.
“Obviously I’m very satisfied and happy. But titles stay in the belly. You look at it from time to time and remember that you won that day,” Ancelotti remarked on the matter.
“But the important thing is that the day after, you continue. My mindset is this, always look forward no matter what. Tomorrow could be a title or a defeat. But on Thursday we will have another game.”
Xavi stands in the Italian’s way of his latest potential conquest, and Ancelotti made sure of praising the Catalan’s work since taking over Barca in 2021.
“He’s doing a great job, but he doesn’t have my experience because he’s been doing this for less time,” Ancelotti noted.
“His track record is good and having been one of the best midfielders in the world helps him. It’s different from playing, but it helps you.”
Barca won this same fixture 3-1 in early 2023, which brought Xavi his first trophy in the dug out.
Ancelotti does not have a “thirst for revenge” as asked to confirm, however.
“No, we’re going all out because that’s the demand of this shirt and this club. We don’t play for revenge. They’re a team we respect a lot, they’re strong. But the hunger is always the same. In every game,” Ancelotti concluded.