Ancelotti: We didn’t need Di Maria

Carlo Ancelotti says he did not include Angel Di Maria in his matchday squad against Atletico Madrid as he didn’t need him.

Los Blancos lost 1-0 to their cross-city rivals, a result which saw the Rojiblancos crowned as Supercopa winners.

“I think we lost control of the match,” Ancelotti explained. “We needed more possession, which we did very well at in the first half.

“In the second half it was more complicated and we let them defend how they wanted to.

“Ronaldo couldn’t have played 90 minutes, I thought to put him on in the second half when the tempo was lower.

“It was a technical decision. We didn’t need Di Maria.”

The Italian also says Sami Khedira is free to leave the club.

“Khedira had permission and I gave him permission to leave. I’m not interested in knowing where he goes.”

Finally, the tactician said no one within the Madrid camp ever spoke about the possibility of the team winning six trophies this season.

“No one ever spoke about the Sextuple. We will play and we intend to win more trophies but the previous season now finishes with three titles and let’s see.”

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