LaLiga: Playing well is doing well, Real Madrid coach Ancelotti reacts to Xavi
Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has considered comments in midweek from Barcelona’s Xavi.
Ancelotti has joined in the debate that has been rumbling on in Spanish football over the past week, after Xavi made comments about how Barcelona feel an obligation to both win and play well.
On this matter, the Real Madrid coach pointed out that football has attacking and defensive phases and that playing well doesn’t just mean managing possession well.
“What does it mean to play well?” Ancelotti replied when asked about this debate in a press conference.
“For me, playing well means doing well when you have the ball and also when you don’t have the ball. Since, you can also play well in defence.
“For example, with the Manchester City vs Atletico Madrid first leg, I felt Atleti defended very very well.
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“If you play well with the ball but poorly without the ball then I don’t think you’re playing well overall. Football is about both attacking and defending.”
He also responded to Xavi’s claim that coaching Barcelona might be the hardest coaching job in the world.
“Every club has unique demands, such as winning titles or playing well or avoiding relegation,” Ancelotti said.
“It’s tough to be a coach anywhere, so I don’t know where it’s most difficult.
“But, we all love this job. You have to or else you wouldn’t do it.”