Carlo Ancelotti believes Cristiano Ronaldo deserves the Ballon d’Or, Xabi Alonso doesn’t need convincing to stay and hopes the same for Iker Casillas.
The Real Madrid Coach has discussed a number of topics this week in an interview, including who he feels is most deserving of the 2013 Ballon d’Or award.
“I would give it to Cristiano Ronaldo. For me the best player right now is Cristiano,” Ancelotti responded on Onda Cero.
“He is the top scorer in the League and the Champions League and if we are talking about technical quality then he is the best.
“He has great professionalism, amazing seriousness. This is key to be at this level. He has not missed one minute nor does he want to.
“He is friendly and fun for the environment. He is great, I see him to be a happy person. I also enjoyed last year Ibrahimovic [at Paris Saint-Germain].
“Messi? He is always critical for Barca, but at this time is not in optimal condition.”
Xabi Alonso has recently returned to Madrid’s team after more than five months out injured and sees scrutiny over his future with his contract up at the end of the season.
“It is the best news that he is back. I call Xabi Alonso The Professor. He has the characteristics to be an important player in our game.
“I do not need to convince Alonso to renew – everyone knows how important he is, the club and fans are convinced and I think the will of the player is to renew and stay here because he is comfortable.
“It is good for everyone that he has also returned to the national team. Spain needs a player like Xabi Alonso.”
Speculation continues on the future of Iker Casillas at the club, as he continues to struggle for game time at the Santiago Bernabeu.
“It is very complicated when you have two goalkeepers at the same level. In Valdebebas the debate is ended as I have taken the decision that Diego Lopez plays in La Liga nad Casillas in the Cups.
“I do not know if they feel comfortable with my decision, but both are doing very well. For them the choice is not optimal, but the team is not bad.
“I have had many difficult decisions in my career. In my first year in Italy, in Parma, the same thing happened. I had a goalkeeper who played with the Italian national team and after five games I decided to play a very young goalkeeper, called Gianluigi Buffon.
“Iker and Diego are two phenomena. Casillas’ saves against Juventus mean that he is fine, but I decided in the preseason when Diego Lopez, who started earlier, was in better shape.
“I have said that I do not want to be the Coach that opens up the possibility of Casillas leaving. I want to be the Coach that gives Casillas the chance to lift the 10th European Cup.”
Ancelotti has played 16 different line-ups in his 16 games in charge of Madrid.
“I have done so because I like change. It is an important time of the season when we play every three days.
“I have a squad that gives me confidence and that I have to change very little. It’s okay if I play Arbeloa or Carvajal.”
