Madrid's Ancelotti Affirms: Team Stands Firm on Refusal to Attend Match Sessions
Real Madrid's 72-hour Rest Demand: Ancelotti's Firm Stance
Coach Carlo Ancelotti has drawn a line in the sand for Real Madrid, declaring that the team will flat-out refuse to participate in La Liga fixtures with less than 72 hours between matches. Aired at the press conference before the Villarreal match, this demand was sparked by the crammed schedule following their grueling Champions League clash with Atletico Madrid[1][2].
Ancelotti lashed out at the turnaround time between Wednesday's nail-biting Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid, and Saturday's trip to Villarreal, expressing his frustration over the tight schedule[1]. After their 2-1 win against Villarreal, Ancelotti expressed ongoing concerns regarding the packed calendar and lack of recovery time[1].
"This team has something special—character, commitment. Sometimes I lose my temper with them. We should thank these players for their colossal effort since January 3. This is the last time we'll play without 72 hours' rest. We've asked La Liga twice to reschedule our game, but nothing has been done. This is the last time," Ancelotti stated emphatically[1][3].
Confirming whether Real Madrid would skip games with insufficient rest, Ancelotti clarified, "No, of course not." However, the tension remains as the team struggles to maintain their energy and focus under the grueling schedule[3].
Regarding the Villarreal game, Ancelotti commended his players for persevering through a challenging first half but praised their resilience and opportunities generated throughout the match[1]. Kylian Mbappe contributed a stunning double to secure the victory.
Notably, Ancelotti remarked on the physical strain they faced in the game, as they were drained due to the tight schedule and the strength of their opponents[1]. This statement highlights the importance Real Madrid places on rest to ensure the team's performance and well-being.
As the title race heats up, Ancelotti also confessed he would be tuning into Atletico Madrid's match against Barcelona on Sunday night, emphasizing his enthusiasm as a football fan[1]. With only 72 hours until Real Madrid's next game, opinions remain divided on whether the team should stick to their demand or prioritize their commitment to the league.
Relevant Enrichment Insights:
- La Liga Rules: La Liga has no specific rule requiring a 72-hour rest period between matches, although there is an unwritten rule not to schedule games with less than 48 hours between them.
- Spanish Footballers' Union's (AFE) Support: The AFE supports Real Madrid's stance, emphasizing the importance of at least 72 hours of rest to prevent health issues for players.
- LaLiga's Response: LaLiga president Javier Tebas responded to Real Madrid's complaints, highlighting that the league had attempted to provide more rest for the team in their upcoming fixtures but Real Madrid themselves had requested changes that ultimately reduced the rest period.
- Carlo Ancelotti, during the press conference before the Villarreal match, expressed his frustration with the lack of recovery time and emphasized that this will be the last time Real Madrid will play without 72 hours' rest, after twice asking La Liga to reschedule their game.
- Ancelotti, after Real Madrid's 2-1 victory against Villarreal, warned that the team's tight schedule is causing a significant physical strain, evident in their drained state during the game.
- Despite his firm stance on the 72-hour rest demand, Ancelotti, as a football fan, confessed he would be tuning into Atletico Madrid's match against FC Barcelona, as the title race in La Liga heats up.
