Ancelotti: 'I am not Xavi's executioner'

"I don't think I'm Xavi's executioner, and I don't make anyone walk on a tightrope," Ancelotti said at a press conference before the match against Atletico in the 1/8 round of the King's Cup, when asked if he was the reason Xavi was "in danger".

This season, Real won their first El Clasico in October 2023, when Jude Bellingham scored twice to beat Barca 2-1 away in La Liga round 11. Real are currently second on 48 points, one point behind Girona and with a game in hand, while Barca are fourth on 41 points, level with Atletico.

Last weekend, Real played more brilliantly when they crushed Barca 4-1 in the Spanish Super Cup final in Saudi Arabia. Vinicius shone with a hat-trick, Rodrygo contributed a goal, while the only goal for Barca was scored by Robert Lewandowski.

These results have left Xavi's position in serious doubt. According to AS , the Spanish coach could be sacked this week if Barca lose to Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey round of 16 today, January 18. AS stressed that losing two titles in four days would be the "last straw" that would make president Joan Laporta and the board lose patience with Xavi.

"I respect every colleague and know how complicated our job is. When things don't go well, we always have to take responsibility. I wish Xavi all the best," Ancelotti added about his colleague.

Real Madrid came from behind to win the 2023 Spanish Super Cup, beating Atletico 5-3 in the semi-finals. The difference came in extra time when Real's two late substitutes - Joselu and Brahim Diaz - both scored.

Ancelotti left open the possibility that Real and Atletico will have to play extra time when they meet again in the Copa del Rey. He said: "Every match is different. The next match is a knockout match, not La Liga. We have to keep that in mind because it changes the game. It's not just 90 minutes, the two teams can play extra time or a penalty shootout. What happened in the past doesn't mean anything."

Hong Duy