Ancelotti: Madrid have failed mentally

Carlo Ancelotti pointed the finger at Real Madrid’s mentality after a 1-1 draw with Real Valladolid left their title hopes in serious doubt.

The result at Jose Zorilla leaves Madrid in third, four points adrift of leaders Atletico Madrid and one behind Barcelona, with two games to play. The top two meet on the final day of the season.

Speaking at a post-match Press conference, Ancelotti rued Madrid’s failure to keep the destination of the title in their hands.

“We’ve lost control but I don’t think it has been a lack of attitude,” AS reports Ancelotti as saying.

“Iker [Casillas] hasn’t had a save to make in the whole game. I think the team has done well but the final [of the season] has been made more difficult.

“I thought we defended too far back and we conceded from a dead ball.

“Some things have failed us in the last two games, especially mental energy. That has failed us in the last two games.

“It’s very difficult to win the League but it’s not mathematically over. We have to try to win the last two games but it’s hard.

“And besides, I don’t care who is favourite and I don’t know who is favourite.”

It was put to Ancelotti that Madrid should write off the League now and focus on preparing for the Champions League final against Atletico on May 24.

“We have days to prepare for the final but I see a tired team physically,” Ancelotti replied.

“After the semi-final it’s not been easy to recover energy quickly. That’s important, especially in this part of the season.”

Madrid left the match at Valladolid with some injury concerns, not least Cristiano Ronaldo, who had to be replaced early in the first-half.

Asked for an update on Ronaldo, Pepe and Angel Di Maria, Ancelotti was unable to provide much information.

“We will see in the coming days. I don’t think the problem is big but Cristiano wasn’t comfortable, so I made a change,” he continued.

“Pepe hasn’t finished the game well and I don’t think the problem is serious but we will see about Di Maria in the coming days.”

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