Simeone “angry” over Ancelotti

Diego Simeone says the uncertainty over Carlo Ancelotti’s future at Real Madrid is one that makes him “angry”.

Ancelotti’s tenure at the Santiago Bernabeu has looked increasingly uncertain since last week’s Champions League exit at the hands of Juventus, a state of affairs that Atletico Madrid boss Simeone feels he does not deserve.

“We coaches are in a difficult situation because we have a lot of pressure, jealousy,” the Argentine is quoted as saying by El Confidencial.

“I always listen to Ancelotti because in victory or defeat he always maintains his composure. He is someone to look up to, the Coach of the Champions League winners, and the players that have followed him have won the Club World Cup.

“But the situation he is in makes me angry – and I’m not even his agent!”

The 45-year-old also commented on Iker Casillas’ circumstances at Madrid and remembered the time when he himself left Atleti as a player.

“Iker will know when the time comes for him to leave. When I left Atleti I chose the right moment.

“I didn’t want any bother and left before I was pushed.”

Simeone then gave his opinion on Barcelona midfielder Xavi Hernandez, who is expected to announce his departure from the club on Thursday, and former boss Pep Guardiola.

“What Xavi has done this year has been exemplary. The guy has chosen to leave because he wants another role.

“[David] Villa gave everything [at Atletico] and the time came for him to leave, so he went to New York. I take my hat off to him.

“If you realise you were once a star and that your role now is to support the youngsters and you accept it, then that’s brilliant.

“With Guardiola he is not a worse Coach than he was at Barcelona. It’s just that when Barca beat his [Bayern Munich] team they had the better players.”

Tags Ancelotti Guardiola Simeone Xavi Hernandez
La Liga - Club News