Real coach Ancelotti clearly: Barcelona are currently not a competitor
Carlo Ancelotti 2021
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Arch-rivals Real Madrid, of all people, do not see any direct rivals in FC Barcelona at the moment. Coach Carlo Ancelotti comments on the Catalans.
As if the sporting crisis at FC Barcelona wasn’t big enough, the Catalans now had to accept the ultimate humiliation. Because of all things arch-rivals Real Madrid currently denied Barca the qualities. More precisely, it was coach Carlo Ancelotti who commented on the current situation of Blaugrana.
“At the moment they are not a direct rival because they are behind Sevilla, Atletico and Betis,” the Italian said at the press conference before his own game against FC Cadiz on Sunday (9pm). In the process, “Don Carlo” even forgot a few other teams. Because before the 18th matchday of the Spanish league, Barcelona are only eighth in the table, 18 (!) Points behind Los Blancos. However, Barca still have some catching up to do.
Barcelona have no chance in the Champions League
But this does not change the status of the fallen giant that Barcelona currently embodies. In the Champions League, the club was eliminated in the group stage and will have to compete in the Europa League in the new year. Against FC Bayern, Barca lost 3-0 twice without a chance and were painfully shown how far away the world class is at the moment.
However, Ancelotti does not expect the current situation of the big rival to be permanent. “Barcelona have the quality to fight to the end,” he said with conviction. Above all, the new coach Xavi wants to restore his heart club to its former glory. The 41-year-old even thinks it is possible to intercept Real.
“We’re not allowed to give anything away or write off ourselves in the league. I’ve seen a lot, from being 18 or 20 points behind the leaders to returning and almost winning in the league,” he said.