ancelotti-press-conference490epa_4

BBC ‘non-negotiable’ for Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti says he still has faith in his forward line of Cristiano Ronaldo, Gareth Bale and Karim Benzema despite recent criticism.

The Real Madrid boss has come in for some flak both from fans and the Spanish Press after seeing his attacking trio misfire since the turn of the year.

However, the Italian insists that when they there all fit then their selection in his starting line-up is ‘non-negotiable’.

“The BBC, if they are all okay, is not up for negotiation,” Ancelotti told a Press conference ahead of the Champions League second leg game with Schalke on Tuesday.

“They have given us a lot and are now going through a rough spell, but so is the whole team, not just the three up front.

“The team is not playing to the right standard and that doesn’t help the forwards much.”

Ancelotti attempted to analyse what the problems are that Madrid have faced in the last few weeks.

“We are very clear where the problems lie and each game helps us to solve them. We play with too much passing going on and the game is not fast enough.

“There is also not enough coordination between the players in getting free of their markers and moving the ball,” said Ancelotti, who has ruled out a change in strategy.

“We’ll continue to play the same way as that is how the players feel most comfortable. We won’t change our identity because in the past it’s allowed us to score a lot of goals and given us some great results.

“After the defeat to Athletic Bilbao I gave the team my opinion on what I’d seen in the game and the difficulties we had. They understood and we agreed.

“When we are not doing well I also understand it is the coach’s fault 100 per cent, whilst I also know that when we win the praise goes to the team. That’s quite clear.”

Tags Ancelotti Bale benzema Cristiano Ronaldo
La Liga - Club News