Carlo Ancelotti on Real Madrid’s future There is no problem

Carlo Ancelotti said he feels “supported” at Real Madrid after a week in which they were beaten 5-2 by rivals Barcelona in the Spanish Supercopa, prompting a meeting with CEO José Ángel Sánchez.

ESPN reported that Ancelotti’s talks with Sánchez this week were routine and focused on dealing with the problems Madrid have faced this season.

On Thursday, Madrid beat Celta Vigo 5-2 in the Copa del Rey round of 16, but survived a scare after being clawed back from 2-0 down to draw 2-2, with some in the crowd booing Ancelotti and his underperforming players at the Santiago Bernabéu.

“Obviously I have a very good relationship with the president (Florentino Pérez), with José Ángel Sánchez, with the whole club,” Ancelotti said on Saturday at a news conference ahead of Madrid’s LaLiga match with Las Palmas. “I have no problem. I have felt supported all the time since I came here and I will until the day I leave. There is no problem, we will continue to work together and try to do our best.”

Madrid have won two trophies this season – the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Intercontinental Cup – and are second in LaLiga, a point behind leaders Atlético Madrid, but their all-round play has not always impressed and Sunday’s Clásico beating in Jeddah in Saudi Arabia was a major setback.

“You always have to improve, to learn,” Ancelotti said when asked about criticism from fans. “When you think you know everything – and it’s not my business, because I like new things, I like to learn – then your level drops.

“I have a lot to improve. Sometimes we’ve played well and other times we haven’t, that’s where we need to improve. The performance against Barcelona is my responsibility and whistles from the crowd are acceptable and fair.”

ESPN have reported that Madrid are keen to strengthen their squad in this transfer window and are keen to do a deal with Liverpool for top target Trent Alexander-Arnoldbut Ancelotti would not say whether January signings were being discussed this week.

“I spoke to José Ángel as I usually do,” Ancelotti said. “We talked about everything.”

A positive for Madrid has been the form of Kylian Mbappéwho scored fantastic goals against Barcelona and Celta.

“I don’t know if he’s more of a leader or not, but every day that goes by he seems to be more involved on the pitch,” Ancelotti said. “I don’t think his attitude has changed off the pitch. He’s always available, he’s receptive. On the pitch he plays at a very high level. Every game I think his level rises.”

On Friday, Atlético coach Diego Simeone was asked about Madrid’s cup win over Celta, which included a controversial referee’s decision not to award the away team a penalty.

“I didn’t see it, but I’ve been told there were some ‘incidents’,” Simeone said. “It’s been happening for 100 years, so I don’t know what’s surprising.”

“These are things you say to the gallery,” hit back Ancelotti. “Everyone in football is aware of what Real Madrid represents and has done for 125 years of history. There are some ‘thorns’ that can hurt.”