Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti claims that “Barcelona didn’t want to play” alluding to the fact that they played defensively
Carlo Ancelotti criticized the way Barcelona played in the Copa del Rey el Clasico. Despite the 1-0 defeat to the Catalans, Ancelotti thinks that Los Blancos could turn it around in the second leg, which will be held on April 5.
Carlo Ancelotti happy with Ral Madrid’s performance
Franck Kessie managed to be the difference maker when his shot was deflected by Eder Militao in the 26th minute to make it 1-0. However, Real Madrid had almost 65% percent of the possession which led to Carlo Ancelotti claiming that Barcelona didn’t actually want to play.
“The team played well,” he told reporters. “Barcelona played like they didn’t want to play.
“We haven’t been good in the last third. Defeat hurts, but if we do the same in the second leg, we have a chance to progress.
“We played the game we have to play: pressing, playing with intensity. We lacked a goal, but they did nothing to score. They were lucky with a rebound. We have 90 minutes [to turn it around].”
He added: “We’ve failed, but we did not deserve to lose. But in 90 minutes we can score a goal in Barcelona.”
Although Ancelotti was disappointed with the result, he was impressed with the way Real Madrid dominated the game.
“We’ve failed, but we did not deserve to lose“
“It’s a very bad result, undeserved, but it was a game well done on our part, with intensity and commitment,” Ancelotti said.
“We didn’t let Barca play the way they want. They had a very low block, not because they wanted to, but because we made them do it.
“It was difficult to have opportunities, we tried from outside the box, but they have great defenders and they gave us problems in the crosses.
“It was difficult to find spaces. They were very closed off. I have nothing to reproach. I am very happy and I am very excited to do the same in the second leg.
“They have an advantage, but we have all the confidence in the world to be able [to turn it around].”
