Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti – ‘I don’t think I’m the best, but I’m not the most stupid either’ | OneFootball

Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti was forced once again to defend his work this season on Wednesday, as he was back in front of the press for the first time since their Spanish Supercup defeat against Barcelona. He also calmed talk of moving Aurelien Tchouameni away from the centre-back position, despite struggling in the final.

Two of the key areas of criticism for Ancelotti have been the persistence in using Tchouameni in the centre of defence ahead of Raul Asencio, and Lucas Vazquez at right-back.

“I think Tchouameni has done well as a centre-back because the data says so. As soon as we don’t have the emergency, he will return to his place as a pivot.”

“I think Asencio is a central defender and to put him on the right side he needs time because he is not used to it. He has done very well in the games he has played, but let’s not forget he has only been here two months.”

In reaction to their defeat, Ancelotti was keen to minimise the importance of a single match.

“It is a step back, but we have to move forward. There is the remainder of the season where we are well positioned in all competitions. Obviously it was a bad game, we have evaluated it and looked for the solutions.”

The Italian coach revealed earlier in the season that he was immune to criticism of his decisions, but personal criticism was something that did not sit well with him. Ancelotti was asked whether there was any particular point of criticism that had hurt him this time round.

“I don’t follow the wave of criticism, that one day you are the best in the world and another the worst. I have the necessary balance, which experience has given me, to know who I am and not get carried away by the wave, because otherwise one day you are the best and another you are the most stupid… I think I am not the best, but neither am I the most stupid.”

Ancelotti has shown in the past that he is capable of healing deep wounds and getting Real Madrid going again, but he is running out of time to fix matters this season. In La Liga, Los Blancos are in a good position, but any further poor results could threaten to send them into a spiral.