Primera Division
After a possible title knockout: Real coach apologizes
Real coach Carlo Ancelotti apologized to the fans. photo
© Joan Monfort/AP/dpa
Real Madrid blunder in the Spanish league in the crucial phase of the title fight. Coach Carlo Ancelotti criticizes the team around Toni Kroos – and an announcement to the fans.
After Real Madrid’s potentially decisive defeat in the fight for the Spanish soccer championship, coach Carlo Ancelotti accused his team of inadequate defensive behavior.
“We have exceptional quality, but that has to be supported by good defensive work, which we didn’t have today,” said the 63-year-old after the 2-4 (1-2) win at FC Girona. “If the players don’t get that, I’ll repeat it every day.”
The defeat at the promoted team meant a severe setback in the fight for the championship title for the team around former world champion Toni Kroos. If rivals FC Barcelona win their game at Rayo Vallecano, the Catalans would have a 14-point lead at the top of the table with seven games remaining. “The team was nervous from the start and then lost control,” Ancelotti said. Girona’s Valentin Castellanos scored all four goals against the Champions League winners.
The Italian coach then apologized to the Los Blancos fans. “The fans are hurt and we apologize for that,” said Ancelotti, who now wants to focus on the two best chances for the title. “We’re injured too, but we know we’ll be ready for the cup final and the semi-finals of the Champions League.” CA Osasuna will face off in the Spanish Cup final on May 6th, while the defending champions will face Manchester City on May 9th and 17th for a place in the final.