Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has hit out at the relentless football calendar, calling it “absurd” and “unsustainable” as his team battles through a packed fixture list.
Speaking ahead of Los Blancos’ Copa del Rey semi-final first-leg clash against Real Sociedad, Ancelotti praised his squad for handling the grueling schedule, noting that Wednesday’s match would be their 17th game in just 52 days.
“If I look back to my playing days, we had 30 league games in an entire season—we’d already be in the second half of the campaign by now,” Ancelotti remarked.
If Madrid progress in all competitions, including the Champions League, Copa del Rey, and Club World Cup, they could play an astonishing 72 matches this season. Despite already securing the Intercontinental Cup and the European Super Cup, Ancelotti admitted that fatigue is setting in.
“I’m tired, and I imagine you (reporters) are too. We all need a break,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappe missed training due to a dental issue but is expected to travel with the squad. Ancelotti praised the French star’s seamless integration into the team, saying he has brought humility and confidence to the dressing room.
The Italian coach also took a swipe at La Liga president Javier Tebas, who recently labeled Madrid a “cry-baby” club for complaining about refereeing decisions.
“He talks too much about Real Madrid. There are bigger issues in Spanish football that he should focus on,” Ancelotti fired back.
