Carlo Ancelotti believes former Real Madrid midfielder Xabi Alonso is almost out on his own in suggesting Cristiano Ronaldo won’t win the Ballon d’Or.
Alonso made the comments earlier this week, suggesting one of the Germany World Cup winners should pip his old teammate to the prize.
Ancelotti however nailed his colours to Ronaldo’s mast at his pre-Eibar Press conference, and also offered a take on Alonso’s suggestion Manuel Neuer is a better goalkeeper than Iker Casillas.
“I read what Alonso said. It’s an opinion. I don’t want to get into it,” he began, AS reports.
“He’s one of the few who thinks that Cristiano won’t win the Ballon d’Or when he’s going to win it.
“I can understand why he’d say that about his teammate, Neuer. I don’t make comparisons. I’m glad to have Iker and Pep Guardiola can have Neuer.”
Not all of the Press conference was taken up by Alonso, Ronaldo and the Ballon d’Or, with Ancelotti also devoting some time to Saturday’s opponents.
“Before the international break we were alright. We want to keep going like that,” Ancelotti noted.
“We’re without Luka Modric but the rest have returned in good condition. Some of them were rested in the second game of their national team.
“It will be a difficult game and we have to be aggressive as it’s a small ground we’re going to.”
