Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti stated on Tuesday that his team is performing well despite their packed schedule, describing the football calendar as “absurd” and “unsustainable.”
Should Madrid progress to the furthest stages in the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and the Club World Cup this summer, they could play up to 72 games this season.
Madrid have already claimed the Intercontinental Cup and European Super Cup but were defeated by Barcelona in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia.
“Considering the absurd calendar we have to face, which all teams must contend with—not just us—, we are doing very well,” Ancelotti told reporters.
“All teams fighting in these moments are doing very well because this calendar is unsustainable.”
Madrid will face Real Sociedad in the first leg of the Copa del Rey semi-final in the Basque Country on Wednesday.
“In just 52 days, tomorrow will be our 17th match,” Ancelotti continued. “When I played, we had 30 league games in a season, meaning we’d already be in the second half of the season by now.”
Real Madrid triumphed over Manchester City 6-3 on aggregate in the Champions League play-off round to reach the last 16 and are tied with Barcelona at the top of La Liga.
Ancelotti noted that both he and his players were in need of a break.
“I’m tired, and I think you (reporters) are tired too, from what I see and hear. You need rest… we need rest,” he added.
Kylian Mbappe missed the club’s training session on Tuesday due to a dental issue, but Ancelotti confirmed he would be traveling to San Sebastian and could feature in the upcoming match.
Ancelotti also commended Mbappe’s professionalism since his arrival from Paris Saint-Germain.
“Mbappe arrived with humility and kept a low profile,” the Italian coach said. “He’s improved the dressing room atmosphere, bringing more confidence because one of the best players in the world joined us… and as far as ego goes, nothing has changed at all.”
Ancelotti also took aim at La Liga president Javier Tebas, who recently labeled Madrid a “cry-baby” club over their complaints regarding Spanish referees.
“He talks too much about Real Madrid, since I’ve been here,” Ancelotti remarked. “There are more important issues, and he should focus on solving the problems in Spanish football.”
