Madrid's Manager Ancelotti Shares Crucial Christmas Desire and Highlights of 2024, in Simple Terms
Madrid's Manager Ancelotti Shares Crucial Christmas Desire and Highlights of 2024, in Simple Terms
Madrid's boss Ancelotti playfully shared his holiday wish before a significant La Liga battle against Sevilla.
Securing La Liga, Spanish Super Cup, Champions League, UEFA Super Cup, and Intercontinental Cup trophies this year, the Italian strategist has nonetheless experienced harsh criticism when things didn't pan out as expected during the campaign.
Ancelotti hasn't been shy about expressing his belief that he receives excessive criticism, thinking perhaps the Spanish press is growing tired of him.
During a pre-match press gathering on Saturday, he laughingly disclosed his Christmas wish to Santa Claus for less scrutiny in 2025.
"It's just a joke. Criticism can sometimes be beneficial because it aids improvement. You simply need to accept it when performances don't meet expectations," Ancelotti clarified.
"This season is shaping up to be incredibly challenging, not just for Barca [FC Barcelona] and Madrid, but also for Atletico Madrid. Atletico has the talent to contend for the title until the finish. It's going to be an exciting and prolonged season. It's possible the title could be won this year with fewer than 90 points based on current trends," Ancelotti further speculated.
"There have been plenty of positives. We've bagged significant victories," Ancelotti reflected on 2024, singling out the record-extending UCL triumph against Borussia Dortmund at Wembley as the most unforgettable moment.
"The most trying, sad moment was the home defeat against Barca. We hadn't suffered many setbacks before and weren't in peak form," Ancelotti admitted.
Regarding Mbappe, whose form Ancelotti had previously deemed subpar, the French star's acclimation phase has now presumably ended, according to his manager.
"His adjustment period has ended. It was natural that things were tough for him initially, but that phase has passed now," Ancelotti affirmed.
"He's recovered well from his injury and I have confidence he'll deliver his best performance. He's in a terrific state of mind and will be the player we need."
On Sunday against Sevilla, Mbappe appears nearly guaranteed to start in his central striker role or on the left flank, given Vinicius Jr. has been granted time off to Brazil until December 30.
In the upcoming La Liga clash against Sevilla, both FC Barcelona and Atletico Madrid will be facing a challenging season as they contend for the title. Ancelotti, speaking about Kylian Mbappe, mentioned that his adjustment phase at the club has come to an end, and he is now ready to deliver his best performances.